Major Crime Section Detectives have charged a 23-year-old Darwin man in connection with the attempted arson of a Leanyer Tavern earlier this month.

Police allege the man was responsible for attempting to enter Dolly O'Reilly's in the early hours of Sunday morning 13 June 2010 and later attempting to set fire to the premises.

"Police have been working tirelessly since this incident was first reported and have been greatly assisted by information from the public."

The man has been charged with a number of offences including:

Unlawful entry x 2
Attempt to commit arson
Unlawfully damage property
Trespass
Stealing x 2

He is remanded in custody to appear at Darwin Magistrates Court at 10am tomorrow morning.

Detective Superintendent Evans said,

"Investigations into other crimes in the area that morning, specifically the fire in Baroalba Street that resulted in the death of eight-year-old Nicholas Middis and seriously harmed his 47-year-old mother Debbie, are ongoing."

"I continue to encourage the public to contact us with anything they may have seen or heard in the Leanyer area that morning regardless of how insignificant it may seem."

Anyone with information is urged to contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media note: Detective Superintendent Evans will be available for interview at the PMC media room at 9am tomorrow morning.

Media Contact:
Natalie Bell
0427 660 594