Anthony James Lewis Rigney, 34, of Howick Street, appeared before Bathurst Local Court on Friday charged with two counts of damaging or destroying property by fire, and driving a motor vehicle while suspended.

Chifley Local Area Command crime manager, Detective Chief Inspector Luke Rankin, said Rigney was arrested by police at Bathurst Railway Station on Thursday night and was subsequently charged in relation to two fires lit in the early hours of Saturday, May 27.

The first fire, police allege, occurred at the Caltex Service Station at around 3am.

Detective Chief Inspector Rankin said police will allege Rigney attempted to set a petrol bowser alight at the service station, causing $5000 in damage.

About two hours later, it is further alleged Rigney set fire to the Bathurst Community Op Shop on Lions Club Drive, causing fire and smoke damage to the property and its contents.

Detective Chief Inspector Rankin said police investigations into the incident led to the arrest of Rigney at Bathurst Railway Station.

Rigney’s car was searched and property was seized before he was taken to Bathurst Police Station and charged with the two counts of malicious damage by fire and one count of driving while suspended.

He was bail refused by Bathurst Police, and appeared before court on Friday, where he was again refused bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Rankin said it was a great result to have the alleged offender before the courts so quickly.

“Obviously having someone allegedly starting fires in the CBD is of great concern to us,” he said.

Councillor Bobby Bourke, who is heavily involved in the op shop, said on the weekend he was devastated by the fire.

“The place was just filled with smoke and water, and cabinets and donations were ruined,” he said.