A former Cairns warehouse manager has found himself on the wrong side of the law, facing serious arson charges after a suspicious fire tore through a commercial property in the northern suburbs.
James Lieu Thaiday, 39, appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court this week following what police allege was a deliberately lit blaze at a Manunda warehouse. The former manager of the premises now faces one count of arson in relation to the incident.
Court documents reveal the charges stem from a fire that occurred on October 8, 2023, at the commercial property where Thaiday was previously employed. The blaze caused substantial damage to the warehouse structure and its contents.
Queensland Police confirmed they had taken a man into custody following their investigation into the suspicious fire. "A 39-year-old Manunda man has been charged with one count of arson and is scheduled to reappear in court at a later date," a police spokesperson stated.
The case has been adjourned, with Thaiday expected to return to Cairns Magistrates Court for further proceedings. The matter remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged arson attack.
Commercial property owners in the area have expressed concern over the incident, with many reinforcing the importance of proper security measures for business premises. The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences facing those accused of deliberately damaging property through fire.
