Jesse Alan Gunning, 36, to fight charges two charges of criminal damage by fire in District Court

A Dalyellup man charged with setting his own home alight while declared missing by police intends to fight the charge in District Court. Jesse Alan Gunning, 36, appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link from Bunbury Regional Prison where he pleaded not guilty to two charges of criminal damage by fire. Police alleged between October 10, 2022 and January 17, 2003 Mr Gunning allegedly set fire to a 2008 Toyota land cruiser as well as his own Dalyellup property, which he owned with his ex-partner. Both charges have been indicted to the District Court. Mr Gunning also faces a further charge of criminal destruction of property, but is yet to enter a plea while police investigate the extent of the damage caused to determine whether the charge is also indictable. The alleged offending is believed to have occurred during the same week Mr Gunning was declared missing by police, after last being seen leaving Bunbury Regional Hospital on January 16. The following morning, his Sapphire Road home was found on fire. It is understood no one was home at the time of the fire, but the property was left damaged. Three days later, Mr Gunning was found by authorities. The 36-year-old is also facing additional charges before the court, including charges of common assault, stealing and escaping from lawful custody - dated the same day he was declared missing by Police. He previously plead guilty to the escape charge, and not guilty to other remaining charges. The man is expected to return to court in October, with the indictable charges listed for a trial listing hearing in November.