Clontarf House Fire: Man Charged with Arson and Attempted Murder

A 36-year-old man faces six charges, including three counts of domestic violence attempted murder, after a fire destroyed three properties and damaged neighboring homes in Clontarf, north of Brisbane.

Corey Wardle—the half-brother of murdered teenager Angus Beaumont—allegedly used an accelerant to set fire to the home of his mother Michelle Liddle and stepfather Ben Beaumont on Saturday afternoon. The blaze occurred while Beaumont, his partner, and their son were inside the residence.

All three occupants escaped without injury.

Charges Filed

Wardle has been charged with:

• Three counts of domestic violence attempted murder
• Two counts of arson
• One count of arson

Impact on the Community

The fire completely destroyed the targeted residence and caused damage to two neighboring properties.

• A couple who had recently moved into a neighboring home lost all their possessions.
• A family of six, along with their dog, were left homeless after their home was deemed uninhabitable.

Police Response and Court Proceedings

Following the fire, Wardle fled the scene but was quickly located by the police dog squad. He was subsequently held in a mental health ward and was scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Background

Angus Beaumont, aged 15, was fatally stabbed in 2020. In the wake of Saturday's fire, Mandy Beaumont—author and aunt of Angus Beaumont—launched a GoFundMe appeal to support the affected family.