Damien Hamlett: Geraldton man appears in court for powerline fire caused during police chase

A Geraldton man accused of throwing guttering on to a powerline causing a fire during a police chase has appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on multiple charges. Damien Matthew Hamlett is charged with damaging property, trespassing, possession of cannabis, methylamphetamine and access to illegal weapons. Mr Hamlett was remanded with bail until May 7, but appeared in court on Thursday with his lawyer Kate Summers, who requested the case be adjourned until June 15. Magistrate Kevin Tavener agreed to adjourn and extended bail, but recommended Mr Hamlett to come ready with a plea to his next court date. His appearances comes after Mr Hamlett was allegedly chased by police through Karloo on May 5, and threw a metal object at the live powerline which snapped, connected with the ground and made an explosion-like sound, with sparks starting a fire. More than 650 households lost power as a result.