No bail for diesel-on-stairs accused

A man who allegedly broke into his neighbour's unit and doused his staircase in diesel will stay behind bars until at least next week.

Ross Carlton, 58, is accused of breaking into a man's home in Fairfield East on Monday, armed with diesel, an iron bar, a screwdriver, hammer and matches.

Police allege Carlton lived in the same unit complex.

The 44-year-old male resident caught Carlton in the act but that didn't stop him from allegedly pouring diesel on the staircase.

Police say the resident jumped out of a second-floor window and Carlton chased after him, threatening him with an iron bar.

A heavily-tattooed Carlton appeared in Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday, where he withdrew his application for bail at the last minute on advice from the magistrate.

Magistrate Jim Coombs told Carlton's lawyer he advised against making the bail application because there was little to support it.

He was formally refused bail and the case was adjourned to May 28.

Carlton is charged with aggravated break and enter with intent to cause actual bodily harm.