A man charged with allegedly setting a Queensland real estate agency ablaze over a property dispute with his ex-partner has now been charged with sexual assault, rape, drug possession, and theft.
Following his arrest for setting a real estate agency on fire, a Gold Coast man is now facing additional charges including rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, drug possession and theft.
On 15 September, Mitchell Morrow, living in Ormeau, was arrested and taken into custody for allegedly setting a Jacobs Well real estate office on fire.
Emergency services were called to Area Specialist Property Solutions after reports of a fire, and police declared a crime scene shortly after it was extinguished.
It is alleged that Morrow attended the real estate business, smashed a window, and poured petrol inside before torching it and causing severe structural damage.
At a 17 September hearing, the court heard that Morrow lit the agency after a relationship breakdown with his ex-partner and was “annoyed” that the sale of a property did not give him “enough money” as part of the separation from his ex.
At an October court hearing, prosecutors presented screenshots of a Facebook discussion about the fire, including a comment allegedly posted by an account linked to Morrow that said, “she’s a dirty real estate agent, probs [sic] had it coming for a while now”.
The court also heard allegations that Morrow went to his former shared residence with his ex-partner, where CCTV footage reportedly showed him in the backyard with a red fuel container.
While he was initially charged with arson and trespassing, he is facing further offences including two rape charges and one count of sexual assault, possessing dangerous drugs and stealing.
Morrow was also accused of violating court orders, setting fire to a woman’s clothes and making threats against her pet.
According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, defence barrister Wayne Tolton argued that most of the alleged breaches were relatively minor, while some charges dated back several years.
Tolton also said the prosecution had not yet provided evidence briefs for the arson allegations, warning the matter could take another 18 months to two years to reach trial.
On social media, Area Specialist Property Solutions director Belinda Beekman said community support had been incredible after the fire and that the team was safe.
“While we are absolutely devastated and everything inside our office has been lost, everything is replaceable,” she said.
“We’re still working, still available and here for all of our clients. If you need anything at all, please reach out to any of us as you normally would.
“We will rebuild – bigger and better than before.”
Morrow remains in custody, with the matter adjourned to 6 November.
To get support, call Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348, or the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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