A chronic alcoholic made homeless after allegedly setting fire to his own Department of Housing unit has been refused bail.
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Defence lawyer Camille McKay told Albury Local Court on Monday that Gary Hobbs, 51, had spent two days in hospital to "dry out".
He had only just gone back into police custody on Sunday night, she said, following his arrest on Friday.
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In applying for bail, Ms McKay said Hobbs - through funds administered on his behalf by NSW Trustee and Guardian - could afford to move into a hotel or motel room.
But police prosecutor Sergeant Shannon Lewis opposed bail, arguing there was a strong risk of re-offending as well as endangerment to the community.
While the cost was still to be assessed, she said "there appears to be significant damage to the outside" of the Crisp Street unit.
Ms McKay proposed strict conditions, including a curfew, to ensure that Hobbs appeared in court at his next mention date of February 17 on a charge of intentionally or recklessly damage by fire or explosion.
But Mr Funston refused bail.
"The State Trustees would put him in a hotel and all that would happen is he would drink. The court hasn't come down in the last shower," he said.
"Until there is a serious case management plan in place, I wouldn't be confident that he would turn up on the next occasion or not commit further offences.
"He's got a major health issue that must be addressed."
