Arson charge for woman accused of setting alight Woogenellup farmhouse ‘completely gutted’ after dispute

A 46-year-old woman charged with starting a fire on Thursday night that “completely gutted” a farmhouse in Woogenellup, where she was living, has appeared in court. Michele Anne Luscombe appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon while in police custody on one charge of criminal damage by fire. Ms Luscombe spoke only to confirm her name and was not read the charge by Magistrate Erin O’Donnell in a brief appearance. Four firefighting crews arrived at the property on Burnside Road about 11.45pm and extinguished the blaze but could not save the home. Police and St John WA also attended the scene, about 24km east of Mt Barker, and a woman was checked for injuries by paramedics. Albany detectives officer-in-charge Act. Sen. Sgt Drew Reeder told the Advertiser police would allege Ms Luscombe started a fire inside the home, where she was the occupant. Act. Sen. Sgt Reeder said it would be alleged that there had been a dispute between Ms Luscombe and the owner of the property and the home’s tenant. “There are two victims in this matter — one is the owner, and one is the tenant,” Act. Sen. Sgt Reeder said. “The home was completely gutted by fire and the accused was arrested at the scene early (on Friday morning).” Ms Luscombe’s duty lawyer did not apply for bail and she was granted a three-week adjournment for legal advice. If found guilty, Ms Luscombe could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. She will reappear in Albany Magistrates Court on June 1.