Wodonga cafe manager Rocky Pereira accused of arson released on bail

Rocky Pereira, 36, allegedly targeted the area next to RM Fresh on Stanley Street on July 16.

Magistrate David Faram granted him bail on Tuesday on the condition he live at a motel on Wagga Road in Lavington.

Police had asked he be banned from Wodonga amid concerns he would approach witnesses.

The court had previously heard his neighbour had been approached after providing security camera footage to detectives.

Mr Faram said he was reluctant to stop the 36-year-old entering Wodonga.

He did not ban Pereira from entering the city but said if he breached his bail conditions, he would likely stay in custody until the matter was finalised.

It’s alleged Pereira had attended the scene of the incident in the early hours of the morning.

The Wodonga Magistrates Court has been told an accelerant was used to start the blaze, which caused about $150,000 in damage and further costs for adjoining businesses.

Detective Senior Constable Ben Ryan told the court on Monday that food and drinks had been removed from the cafe before the fire and that the business did not appear ready to trade.

During another mention of the bail application on Tuesday, the court heard the main concern if Pereira was released was him interfering with witnesses.

Mr Faram noted Pereira had no criminal history and strong ties to the area which did not make him an unacceptable risk of failing to return to court.

“These charges are significant and serious, obviously,” the magistrate said.

But he said bail conditions, which include that he report to Albury police on Monday and Friday, not contact witnesses or attend any international airports, and hand over his passport could address police concerns.

The court heard an intervention order was pending, which Pereira would not oppose.

He will return to court on November 1.