Shisha bar and restaurant owner charged with arson and fraud
A suspicious fire at a Sheesha bar and restaurant in 2020 has led to the owner being charged with arson and fraud.
The Shisha Bar and restaurant on Walter Road West Morley in Perth went up in flames in September 2020.
Just before 3am, a man is alleged to have forced his way into the restaurant and set fire to the kitchen.
The fire then spread into the ceiling causing extensive damage.
Police were called to the venue shortly afterwards when the alarms went off.
It took firefighters 20 minutes to control the blaze, but fire investigators were unable to determine the cause.
The arson squad was then called in.
A man was arrested on 27 October 2020 and charged with Criminal Damage by Fire; and Burglary and Commit.
The investigation has been ongoing since and on Wednesday 3 August 2022, Arson Squad detectives charged a second person in relation to the fire, who is alleged to be the owner of the business at the time of the fire.
They charged a 38-year-old man from The Vines with:
• Criminal Damage by Fire; and
• Attempted Gains Benefit by Fraud.
The man is next due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court on 12 August 2022.
Irit Jackson, 9th August 2022
