Arsonist pleads guilty
A Tullamarine man will be sentenced on April 24 after admitting to lighting a fatal house fire in Deer Park in September 2013. In the Victorian Supreme Court last Wednesday, David Campbell, 45, pleaded guilty to two counts of arson causing death. Steven White, 44, and Genine Ballantine, 45, were found dead inside their flat. Crown prosecutor Anne Hassan said Campbell lit the fire as “payback” against White. Campbell and Ms Ballantine had been in a tumultuous 20-year relationship before she left him for White. Campbell’s defence barrister said he had been drinking and taking ice before he committed the crime.
Fatal collision investigated
Fawkner highway patrol is investigating a fatal collision in Campbellfield last Monday morning. Police said a maroon Ford Fiesta, heading west along Barry Road, and a Mitsubishi four-wheel drive were involved in a rear-end collision. The driver of the Ford, a 28-year-old Meadow Heights man, was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital but later died. His passenger, a 26-year-old Meadow Heights woman, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries. The 52-year-old driver of the Mitsubishi, a Coolaroo man, was uninjured. Witnesses are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Airport works progressing
Construction of the new domestic terminal at Melbourne Airport is now past the halfway mark, while Melrose Drive has been doubled in capacity.
