After previously denying his charges, former West Coast Eagles star, Daniel Kerr, has admitted to setting his parents’ house on fire.
The 38-year-old appeared at Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, pleading guilty to the charge. His guilty plea is a ‘complete 180’ compared to his appearance in court in February.
Kerr had been living alone at his parents’ home on Exley Close in Kardinya, Perth and had allegedly burned it down on February 17 this year.
Neighbors described seeing thick, black smoke billowing from the roof, although no serious damage could be seen from the front.
Kerr was arrested in Cottesloe, Perth a short time after the incident.
When held in court, he strongly denied all allegations. According to his lawyer, he would “vigorously fight the charges,” arguing that someone else was responsible for the blaze.
Other Charges
Though pleading guilty to the arson charge, he is pleading not guilty to numerous other charges; some of which include endangering the life, health, or safety of a person, criminal damage, and common assault.
Some charges are related to his ex-partner.
Kerr has pleaded not guilty to four counts of common assault in circumstances of aggravation, with those charges adjourned until February 8.
He has also pleaded not guilty to six other charges.
First is endangering the life or safety of a person in July 2014, and two counts of criminal damage or destruction of property, which allegedly happened in 2014 and 2016.
He also faces three counts of intent to harm, omitted to do an act that was their duty to do or did an act as a result of which the life or safety of a person was or was likely to be endangered.
Kerr is set to face the District Court on November 26. Until then, he will remain behind bars as he did not apply for bail.
The charge of criminal damage by fire carries a jail term of up to 14 years.
Days of Stardom
Kerr played 220 games for the West Coast Eagles and was runner-up for the Brownlow Medal twice.
The midfielder was part of the Eagles’ premiership-winning team in 2006. He retired in 2013.
