What makes an arsonist?

The Victorian man accused of lighting one of the fatal Australian bushfires which devastated parts of south-eastern Australia last weekend has been named as 39-year-old Brendan James Sokaluk.

Sokaluk, who is believed to have been a volunteer firefighter, is charged in relation to the Churchill-Jeerelang fire in the West Gippsland region, 100 miles east of the Victorian capital of Melbourne.

He has been charged with one count of arson causing death, one count of intentionally lighting a bushfire and one count of possessing child pornography.

The arson charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years, with the bushfire charge carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years.

The fire which swept through Churchill and the surrounding area killed 21 people, however the prosecution told the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Monday that Sokaluk’s arson charge was in relation to the deaths of 11 people.

The Churchill bushfire burnt out more than 30,000 hectares of land. It was one of many fires which devastated Victoria on Saturday, February 7, killing 181 people and razing over 1800 homes. Scores of people remain missing.

The suppression order on his name was lifted during a hearing in the court in Melbourne on Monday, which Sokaluk, who was arrested on Friday, did not attend.

Defence lawyer Helen Spowart said her client was in protective custody and his safety was at risk.

“This is an extraordinary case. The level of emotion and anger and disgust that the alleged offences have aroused in the community is unprecedented,” she said.

“He remains in risk while in custody.”

But Magistrate John Klestadt lifted the suppression order on Sokaluk’s name, ruling he had little doubt his identity would be known despite any court order.

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