The Cessnock community remains on high alert as alleged Cessnock arsonist, Jack Drayton, is out on bail. Charged under Section 203E of the Crimes Act 1900 for intentionally causing a fire and recklessly endangering the spread of the fire to public land or private property, The maximum penalty for this offence is 21 years imprisonment.
His co-accused 28 year-old Harley Barrett has been charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread (accessory after the fact to an offence).
The charges stem from a series of fires that took place on Tuesday, 3rd of October, resulting in an Emergency Warning and the forced evacuation of Kearsley and Abernethy near Cessnock, NSW. The swift response of the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue prevented any casualties or structural damage, but the community remains deeply affected by the trauma and potential devastation caused by the malicious acts.
Drayton and Barrett are both set to appear before Cessnock District Court on the 15th November at Cessnock District Court. Drayton is out on bail with the following conditions have been imposed on Jack Drayton, mandating his avoidance of bushland, residence in Singleton, and daily reporting to the Singleton Police Station. A strict curfew prohibits Drayton from leaving his residence between 8 PM and 6 AM, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
The Kearsley community looks to the upcoming court case with a keen eye, hoping for justice to be served and for the prevention of any such future incidents that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of the local residents.
The Cessnock community has faced an unusual surge in bushfires, notably early in the fire season. Alongside the recent Kearsley blaze, two other suspicious fires—one in Aberdare and another along Old Maitland Road—have rapidly gained momentum, a rarity during this time of year. Both incidents prompted a “Watch and Act” alert, highlighting the urgency and potential danger posed by the fires. As of now, no individual has been charged in connection with these fires.