The Age
Copyright 2007 The Age
NEWCASTLE, Australia — A decorated ambulance officer has appeared in a Newcastle court charged with attempted murder and setting fire to a home.
David Higgins, 46, faced Newcastle Local Court on Friday, charged with attempting to strangle or suffocate with intent to murder and malicious damage by fire with intent to injure.
Higgins received a bravery award in 1998 after he braved the flames of a burning car wreck to save a speedway driver.
Higgins was also well known as a hero of the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, clambering through rubble searching for survivors, the Newcastle Herald reported.
He also played a leading role in treating major bus crash patients.
The newspaper said his former partner, 35, suffered severe lacerations and bruising in the alleged attack while the Lambton house they once shared was severely damaged by fire.
Higgins did not apply for bail and it was formally refused on Friday.
He was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on January 9.