Man arrested over alleged attempt to light fire in court

A 43-year-old Ainslie man will face court today after allegedly causing a disturbance at the ACT Law Courts in the City on Thursday morning.

About 9:40am on Thursday (12 February 2026), police responded to reports of the man being disruptive at the ACT Magistrates Court. It is alleged he was verbally aggressive, making threats to multiple people and attempted to light a flag on fire multiple times.

As a precaution, the room was cleared to ensure the safety of members of the public and court staff.

Shortly after, the man was removed from the room and spoken to by staff and police before being escorted from the Magistrates Court building.

Following enquiries, yesterday (Friday, 13 February 2026), the man was arrested at his Ainslie residence and is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 14 February 2026).

He will be charged with contempt of court, two counts of attempting to light an unauthorised fire, making demands accompanied by threats, offensive behaviour, and acting in a manner intended to cause public alarm.