Sydney man arrested over Newtown synagogue fire
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Adam Edward Moule is ninth person charged under Strike Force Pearl investigation into spate of antisemitic attacks across Sydney. The arrest of a man who allegedly attempted to set a synagogue on fire in Sydney’s inner west this month is a “big breakthrough”, the New South Wales premier has said, as investigations continue into a spate of antisemitic vandalism in the city.
Adam Edward Moule, 33, had his case briefly mentioned at Downing Centre local court on Wednesday and was scheduled to appear again on Thursday before the same court. Moule is the ninth person to be charged under Strike Force Pearl which was set up to investigate alleged hate crimes with an antisemitic focus across Sydney.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email. He is alleged to have painted red swastikas across the front wall of the synagogue in Newtown and ignited a clear liquid that burned out within minutes. The NSW police commissioner, Karen Webb, told reporters on Wednesday that a second arrest related to the Newtown incident was expected “shortly”.
Detectives arrested Moule after search warrants were executed overnight at two addresses in Camperdown. Moule was initially taken to St Vincent’s hospital under police guard, according to police, but on his release was taken to Surry Hills police station and charged with destroying property using fire, having goods suspected of being stolen and cultivating a prohibited plant. He was refused bail.
