Alleged arsonist attacks reporter

A Wollongong man who set fire to his home so his ex-wife would not get it as part of a divorce settlement has attacked a reporter outside court.

Krste Kovacevski, 74, was charged with intentionally destroying the house using explosives or fire on August 4, 2016.

Police found him standing outside the burning home as it went up in flames.

The house was reduced to charcoal at the same time as a property dispute when he was ordered by a court to transfer ownership to his ex-wife.

He had packed minimal belongings in his car before setting his former home alight.

"I lost everything with the same person. Then I saw the pressure gone up. I was in the garage. I looked around. I see the kerosene, grab it and light it up. That was it," Mr Kovacevski told police.

Outside Wollongong Local Court on Monday, Mr Kovacevski attempted to stub his cigarette on the shirt of an A Current Affair reporter.

"F--- off," he said.

"I kick you again."

"F--- off, I'm not going to answer any questions."

The matter returns to court next month.