Lavington woman refused bail because she's a risk to community 'and herself'

It was simply too dangerous for the community, as well as too much of a risk to the accused, to let her free on bail, police have said.

Natalie Rebecca Ricci appeared in the Albury Local Court dock on Tuesday charged over Saturday's early-evening incident.

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The 42-year-old, wearing the dress in which she was arrested, made no comment during the brief hearing.

Defence lawyer Mitchell Irwin told magistrate Richard Funston that 24-hour supervision was essential for Ricci's well-being.

"There's a clear link between her mental health issues and her offending," he said during a bail application for Ricci.

Mr Irwin said Ricci could be granted bail to an address other than that of the Kotthoff Street house where the fire occurred, to a place where she could have such 24-hour care.

"She explained to me that she was angry, that she did not intend to do that. It's a cry for help."

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But police prosecutor Sergeant Nicole Peacock said the risks created by releasing Ricci could not be addressed by bail conditions.

Sergeant Peacock said Ricci had stated she would "continue lighting fires" at the house "until the job's done".

Ricci did not enter a plea to the single charge of damage property by fire.

Emergency services were called to the fire on Saturday about 5.30pm.

Police attended and determined the blaze was most likely to have been deliberately lit.

Mr Funston said Ricci's long criminal history in Victoria posed considerable concern, given this contained offences including threats to kill and to inflict serious injury, plus like offending.

"There's so many of them."

Mr Funston said he would not consider another bail application until a detailed plan was in place for Ricci's 24-hour care and supervision, at a specified address.

The charge was adjourned to next Monday, March 8.

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