SEVENTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD George Batson has been charged, following investigations into the January 18 fire at Lot 38 Stanleytown, Greater New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The septuagenarian appeared before Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo Tuesday, in New Amsterdam Court, when he was put on $150,000 bail.

The indictable charge said the pensioner, of Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, unlawfully and maliciously set afire the building, property of Frankie Hopkinson, with persons inside.

The occupants, feeling the intense heat, were alerted to the blaze, shortly after 02:00 h, when a bucket brigade prevented the total destruction of the place.
Batson has to be back in Court on March 3.