Brendan James Sokaluk, 39, has been named as the suspect who started wildfires that resulted in around 190 deaths. Sokaluk stands accused of being the arsonist who lighted fires on Feb 7. The court lifted the ban and allowed Sokaluk to be named in public. The authorities asked the public not to target Sokaluk in their anger.

Brendan James Sokaluk was arrested on Fri., Feb 13. Sokaluk was charged with one count of arson causing a death and one count of lighting a fire. If convicted, Sokaluk would face a maximum of 25 years in prison on the first charge. On the second charge, Sokaluk faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. Sokaluk also faces one charge of possession of child porn. This charge carries a maximum of 5 years in prison.

Australia’s national day of mourning for fire victims will be held Sunday, Feb 22. The official ceremony will be at The Australian Open tennis arena. This accommodates 15,000 people.

Brendan James Sokaluk news link.

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This entry was posted on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 3:11 am and is filed under Gossip.