A MAN is to stand trial accused of starting a fire that caused an estimated £87,000 of damage at a former newspaper headquarters in Belfast.
Cristian Topiter also allegedly stole digital equipment after breaking into a technology hub now located in the building on Royal Avenue.
The 33-year-old Romanian national, with an address at Parkmore in Craigavon, Co Armagh, faces charges of burglary and arson over the incident on February 21.
Appearing before Belfast Magistrates' Court in handcuffs for a preliminary enquiry, Topiter declined to call witnesses or give evidence.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall granted an application to have him returned for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed. With no fresh bid for bail mounted, Topiter remains in custody.
The fire broke out in a building which was once home to the Belfast Telegraph and is now occupied by technology innovation centre Digital Catapult.
