AN accused firebug who allegedly told police he has a predilection for lighting fires and "needs help" is planning to apply for bail next week after prosecutors dropped the most serious arson charge against him.
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Chad Joseph Musgrave, 33, of Windale, is accused of sparking more than a dozen fires in cars, skip bins and rubbish at Windale and Charlestown during high temperatures and strong winds in October and November.
But on Wednesday in Newcastle Local Court, the DPP withdrew a charge of intentionally or recklessly destroy or damage property with intent to endanger life in relation to a fire which damaged a home in Merran Avenue about 9pm on October 23.
The move means the remaining charges will be prosecuted in the local court and Ms Musgrave's solicitor, Steffany Sneesby, said he would be launching a fresh bid for bail next week.
While each fire was lit under the cover of darkness, Lake Macquarie was enduring periods of high fire danger at the time of the arson attacks.
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