A Canberra man is facing justice in the ACT Supreme Court over allegations he intentionally set fire to a Gungahlin apartment complex, in what prosecutors describe as a dangerous act of arson.
Mary John Ayuel, whose case is now being heard before Justice David Mossop, stands accused of deliberately igniting the multi-storey residential building on Anthony Rolfe Avenue in August 2022.
Prosecutors allege the 32-year-old used accelerants to start the blaze, though specific details about the evidence remain before the court. The prosecution is expected to present their case throughout the week, outlining what they believe occurred during the incident.
Defence barrister Michael Kukulies-Smith is representing Ayuel, who has formally entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of arson. The defence team is preparing to challenge the prosecution's version of events as the trial progresses.
The case has drawn attention to fire safety in residential buildings across the ACT, with emergency services having responded to the scene to control the blaze and ensure resident safety.
Justice Mossop has warned the jury to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court, reminding them that the burden of proof rests entirely with the prosecution to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The trial continues as both legal teams prepare to present their arguments and evidence in what is expected to be a closely watched case in Canberra's legal circles.
