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The woman alleged to have started a fire at a Cairns quarantine hotel remains under police custody, after her matter was heard in the Cairns Magistrates Court today.
31-year-old Manoora woman Tessie Ann Merrypor has been charged with one count each of arson and wilful damage.
Her lawyer, Hayley Fox of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, told the court she hadn’t yet been able to speak with the accused as she was in quarantine at the Cairns watch house.
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“I have been advised that mental health are visiting her,” she said.
“[I’m advised] they may have availability for me to speak with her via phone this afternoon.
“Perhaps in the circumstances the matter be adjourned to tomorrow to allow that to take place.”
Magistrate Susan Warrington then adjourned the matter to Tuesday, 30 November.
Police allege Ms Merrypor, who was staying in the top floor of the Pacific Hotel Cairns, lit a fire beneath her bed at 7am yesterday.
It’s alleged she was with her two children at the time.
All 163 occupants were safely evacuated within five minutes of the alarm sounding.
Paramedics assessed seven patients at the scene.
One patient with respiratory issues was transported to Cairns Hospital in a stable condition.
While most are now staying in Cairns’ back-up quarantine facility, the Holiday Inn, dozens have been transferred to other facilities in the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
The blaze was extinguished however the building suffered significant damage, with at least two rooms on the 11th floor gutted.
Police say Ms Merrypor had been in hotel quarantine for “a couple of days.”
Main points
- Tessie Ann Merrypor has been charged with one count each of arson and wilful damage
- Police allege the 31-year-old mother lit a fire beneath her bed in the Pacific Hotel
- She is due to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on 30 November
