Second Man Pleads Not Guilty in Coles Bay Home Invasion and Arson Case

Hayden James Morrison has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he took part in a violent home invasion at Coles Bay, where a 76-year-old man was tied up and his house was destroyed by fire.

Morrison, 31, appeared by video link from prison in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Monday. The Invermay man faces charges including aggravated armed robbery, aggravated assault, motor vehicle stealing and arson over the alleged July 11 incident.

Police allege Morrison acted with Charlie Hills and Jason Robert Burns. They say the men attacked homeowner Grant Whelan, stole his firearms and torched his property. Whelan spent six days in hospital, and the stolen guns have not been found.

Morrison entered his not-guilty plea through lawyer Fran McCracken. Deputy Chief Magistrate Ken Stanton remanded him in custody, and he is due to face court again in November. Burns, 33, is scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court later this month after also pleading not guilty. Hills, 30, was granted bail in July, with his lawyer indicating that he would plead not guilty.