A man charged with the early-morning burglary of the St Albans Shirley Club, in which the building was allegedly damaged by fire, is denying all charges.
Reece William Janetins Skipper, 38, today elected trial by jury on charges of burgling the building, wilfully damaging it by fire, and unlawful possession of two firearms.
Police said at the time that an intruder broke into several areas of the bar and office and took an unknown amount of money early on January 16.
Before leaving, the man poured an accelerant on the floor of the lounge area and set it on fire but the blaze was noticed by a passerby. A nearby builder put it out, and only minor damage was caused.
Skipper was remanded in custody after an appearance in the Christchurch District Court a week ago.
When he appeared today, defence counsel Paul Johnson said all charges were denied and no application for his release on bail was being made.
Judge Alistair Garland remanded him in custody for a case review hearing on April 10.
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