Murder-accused man back in court after fire killed kids

The man accused of killing three children in a house fire he allegedly stopped them escaping will spend months more in custody before his case returns to court.

Lawyers for Dean John Heasman, 28, appeared at Penrith Local Court in Sydney on Friday, three months after children Jaxson, Dean Junior and Willow were killed in the blaze.

He is facing three charges of domestic violence-related murder and five charges of attempted murder.

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Heasman, who remains in custody, had his case swiftly adjourned with no application for bail.

He is due back in court on February 14 for charge certification.

Police allege Heasman locked the doors to his Lalor Park house in the city's west and used petrol to accelerate a huge blaze on July 7, preventing officers and neighbours from freeing the victims.

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Investigators previously said they believed the incident was triggered by a domestic dispute that dramatically escalated.

He had no prior criminal record and he had only previously been before the court on tax-related matters.

Heasman did not appear during his first court date in July after being left in a coma due to severe burns and smoke inhalation he suffered in the blaze.

He is also accused of destroying or damaging property with the intent of endangering life.

A welfare check triggered by a concerned neighbour led to a police call-out to the property weeks before the fire, but no issues were identified at the time.

The mother of the three dead children has recovered physically after the fire and has completed a walk-through of the crime scene with police.

For support contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged five to 25).