Paul McCurdy appeared via audio visual link in the Dunedin District Court on Friday morning. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A 58-year-old man accused of setting fire to an empty Dunedin boarding house will remain in custody awaiting his next court appearance.
Paul McCurdy, who court documents say has no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to the arson charge and opted for trial by jury in December.
The fire tore through the boarding house in the suburb of Kensington in late October.
Authorities initially feared there may have been people inside.
McCurdy appeared in the Dunedin District Court via audio visual link on Friday morning.
His next appearance will be in May.
The charge has a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
