Man accused of setting fire to Birdy Bar in Wagga Wagga

Christopher Robert Hawe, 42, has been charged with damaging property by fire or explosive for dishonest gain following an alleged arson at Birdy Bar in Wagga Wagga. The fire, which occurred around 3:45 am on Thursday, August 27, destroyed the building on Baylis Street. While nearby occupants were evacuated, no injuries were reported.

Hawe was arrested on Thursday afternoon. During court proceedings, Judge Miranda Moody noted that the incident was captured on the cafe’s own CCTV and remarked that the accused, who has no prior record, ‘must have been desperate.’ Hawe is scheduled to appear in Wagga court on October 28.