Man accused of Coles Bay home invasion, arson pleads not guilty

Jason Robert Burns, 33, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged violent home invasion at Coles Bay. Police allege he is among a group of three men who attacked and robbed a 76-year-old last month. What's next? He is set to front the Supreme Court on September 25. One of the three men accused of attacking a 76-year-old on Tasmania's east coast last month has pleaded not guilty. Jason Robert Burns appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court today on multiple charges, including aggravated armed robbery, aggravated assault, motor vehicle stealing and arson. The 33-year-old from the Launceston suburb of Invermay is one of three men allegedly behind a violent attack on a Coles Bay man on the morning of Saturday, July 11. Police allege 76-year-old Grant Whelan was tied up at his home, having firearms stolen, his car stolen and his house set alight. Mr Whelan spent six days in the Royal Hobart Hospital after the incident. Appearing via video link from prison this morning, Mr Burns pleaded not guilty through his lawyer. He is due to appear in the Supreme Court in Launceston on September 25. Magistrate Simon Brown remanded him in custody. Mr Burns was arrested alongside two other men — Charlie Hills, 29, and Hayden Morrison, 33. They all face similar charges. Mr Hills's lawyer previously indicated his client would plead not guilty. Mr Hills was granted bail on July 31, and is due to return to court on September 8. Mr Morrison is due to reappear in court tomorrow. There has been an outpouring in support from the Tasmanian community for Mr Whelan since the incident, with more than $100,000 raised in an online fundraiser and volunteers working to help clean up the burnt remains of his home. Mr Whelan was released from the Royal Hobart Hospital on July 16 after six days. The missing firearms remain missing, with Tasmanian Police calling for information.