Michael Edward Brittenden is accused of torching nine wheelie bins in Christchurch.

A man accused of torching nine Christchurch wheelie bins is back on the streets, despite police objections.

Michael Edward Brittenden, 39, was granted bail when he appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Thursday.

He faces six charges of setting wheelie bins alight.



He was remanded without plea to August 3, on six charges of arson involving nine wheelie bins alleged to have been set alight on July 1 and July 8, with reckless disregard for the safety of properties belonging to a series of named householders.

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/STUFF Police have been concerned about a spate of wheelie bin arsons. (FILE SHOT)

He is charged with possession of .22 calibre firearm rounds and cannabis.

Police opposed bail, but Judge Jane Farish decided bail could be granted under strict conditions.

She imposed a curfew on Brittenden to be at home from 7.30pm to 7am every night.

She made it a condition of bail that Brittenden not consume or possess alcohol and said she would allow the police to breath-test him when they made curfew checks at his home.

