Suspected arsonist trial set

Photo: Paul Cousins

This file photo shows the Kin Race Track grandstand burning.

A North Okanagan man who is facing numerous arson charges will have his day in court this fall.

William Munton, 56, is facing 19 charges of arson in connection with fires targeting dumpsters, vehicles, boats and structures that were set between May and November of 2014.

Munton is also a suspect in a blaze that destroyed the grandstands at Kin Race Track in July 2014.

The spectacular blaze lit up the night sky as the aged wood quickly burned.

The trial is expected to take 14 days is scheduled to begin Oct. 1.

Munton has chosen to be tried by judge and jury.

In September 2017, Munton was acquitted of child pornography.

Charges against Munton were dropped when the judge threw out two warrants used to gather the evidence.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Hope Hyslop said she found both warrants invalid, except for evidence gathered for the arson case against Munton.

Hyslop said "the omission of material facts" put before the judge who granted the warrants was the reason for her decision.