Second hearing follows breach of conditions after January fire
A second bail hearing is due this week for a 72-year-old man charged with arson with disregard for human life after a January fire at a social housing complex on 99 McNaughton Avenue West in Chatham. The accused, David Anderson, was re-arrested on 24 June after police say he breached the conditions of the bail granted to him in February.
Court-imposed conditions when Anderson was first released included a requirement to reside at the Kent Motel in Chatham, to report to the John Howard Society bail supervision programme and to post a financial surety of $1,000 should he violate the terms of his release. In addition, the February order banned Anderson from possessing weapons, ammunition, explosive devices and incendiary devices, with the narrowly defined exception of a lighter for cigarettes. He was also told he could not return to 99 McNaughton Avenue West except to pick up belongings while accompanied by a uniformed police officer.
The blaze in January was contained to a single unit but caused significant damage, estimated at $250,000, and produced heavy smoke and extreme heat on the second floor, according to emergency services. Dozens of occupants were evacuated and given temporary shelter assistance by the Municipality of Chatham–Kent and Emmanuel Baptist Church.
“No one was hurt in the fire, and it was contained to a single unit.”
The municipality and local charities provided immediate support to those displaced, but the episode has revived memories of an earlier, related incident. The same building was the scene of another arson in August 2024 that displaced around 100 residents for up to a year; charges in that investigation were later withdrawn for the two accused because of insufficient evidence.
Background to the charges and local impact
Prosecutors allege Anderson committed arson with disregard for human life. The criminal record referenced in court papers is described as lengthy and violent, a factor that informed the strict bail conditions imposed in February. The Crown’s decision to seek his re-arrest in late June followed an alleged breach of those conditions.
While the January fire was contained to one unit and, crucially, caused no physical injuries, the material impact on tenants was considerable. Smoke and water damage affected numerous neighbouring units, and the building’s history of serious incidents has heightened concern among residents and local services about the vulnerability of social housing properties to disruptive and dangerous acts.
- Incident: Fire at 99 McNaughton Avenue West, January (contained to single unit)
- Damage: Estimated at $250,000; smoke and water damage to other units
- Bail breach: Re-arrested 24 June for alleged breach of February conditions
Local support agencies and the municipality continue to be involved in providing accommodation and assistance where necessary. The repeated incidents at the same address have prompted questions about safety protocols, fire prevention measures and long-term housing stability for those moved from the building during previous evacuations.
Court process and next steps
The upcoming bail review will be heard in Chatham court, where a judge will consider whether Anderson should be released again and under what terms. Any decision will be shaped by the circumstances of the alleged bail breach, the nature of the offences, his criminal history and public-safety considerations. The Crown will be able to seek continued detention or revised conditions; defence submissions will address risk and supervision arrangements.
For residents of Chatham, the proceedings will be watched closely both for their immediate effect on community safety and for the implications they hold for the management of vulnerable housing stock where a series of serious incidents has already had long-lasting consequences for tenants.
| Key dates | Details |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | Previous arson at same building; about 100 residents displaced; charges later withdrawn |
| January (this year) | Fire at 99 McNaughton Avenue West; heavy smoke, extreme heat; $250,000 damage; no injuries |
| February | Anderson released on bail with conditions including residency at Kent Motel and supervision by John Howard Society |
| 24 June | Anderson re-arrested for alleged breach of bail conditions; second hearing scheduled |
The court is expected to provide an outcome after hearing submissions. Meanwhile, community organisations and the municipality remain engaged with affected tenants to manage accommodation and support needs arising from the January incident and the building’s recent history.
