Jason Brett Oxenham: Geraldton police arrest and charge alleged Utakarra arsonist

Geraldton police have arrested and charged a man accused of setting fire to his Utakarra home last week causing up to $200,000 worth of damage.

Jason Brett Oxenham appeared from custody in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with criminal damage by fire.

He was arrested on Monday afternoon following investigations by Geraldton detectives.

Police allege the 37-year old-man resided at the Department of Communities housing on Clematis Crescent with his de-facto partner.

On Friday, August 19, police say the two left the house after they had a verbal argument around 9.50pm.

A while after they left, its alleged Mr Oxenham returned to the house by himself and set fire to a curtain in the main lounge room, which resulted in a fire engulfing the house, causing considerable damage estimated to be between $150,000 and $200,000.

After allegedly starting the fire, police say Mr Oxenham left the house and DFES and police were called to the address.

DFES extinguished the fire by 10.15pm, but not before damaging the front loungeroom and rear bedroom. It also left smoke damage throughout the house.

Mr Oxenham was refused bail and has been remanded in custody until September 15.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Geraldton Detectives or Crime Stoppers if they wish to remain anonymous.