A Maitland man is due to face court today accused of stealing $160,000 worth of artwork taken from the scene of a fatal fire on the Central Coast last year.
Respected artist, 69-year-old Patrick Carroll was trapped and perished in the blaze in his studio at The Entrance in October 2019.
A 13-year-old boy is before the courts charged with manslaughter for allegedly setting fire to a lounge outside the studio which ultimately caused Mr Carroll's death.
Police allege a contract cleaner hired to clean the fire-affected studio stole 87 artworks painted by Mr Carroll valued at more than $160,000.
Following extensive inquiries, police searched a unit on High Street, Maitland on Thursday 14 May.
The search allegedly uncovered an air rifle, a pen gun, an electronic stun device, ammunition and prohibited drugs. Investigators also seized 87 artworks which have since been returned to members of Mr Carroll's family.
A 50-year-old man has been charged with 10 offences including larceny, firearms offences and drug possession and will face Wyong Local Court today (Tuesday 2 June, 2020).
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| Artist Patrick Carroll died in a blaze at his Central Coast studio |
