Griffith woman charged with destroying a building by fire with intent to murder

Magistrate Pauline Wright formally denied Abbey Watkins’ bail this week. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

A 34-year-old Griffith woman has faced court following a house fire, which allegedly left another woman critically injured.

Abbey Watkins fronted Griffith Local Court on Thursday (19 September), charged with causing grievous bodily harm and destroying a building by fire with the intent to murder.

She made no applications for bail, which Magistrate Pauline Wright formally denied.

Police said emergency services were called to Zirilli Avenue at about 5:30 pm on Saturday (14 September) following reports of a house fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW responded and extinguished the fire, which caused minor damage. However, a 32-year-old woman who was at the home at the time suffered extensive burns. A neighbour assisted the woman before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and treated her.

She was taken to Griffith Base Hospital with what police have been told are life-threatening injuries. She’s since been airlifted to Concord Hospital, where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

Strike Force Clearwater was established to investigate the crime scene and the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Following inquiries, Murrumbidgee Police District officers arrested Watkins at a business in Yambil Street, Griffith and she was taken to Griffith Police Station.

Watkins is set to appear before Griffith Local Court on 7 November.