Cape fire accused on drink charge

More than 150 firefighters tackled the blaze

A man accused of causing a fatal fire on Table Mountain, South Africa, has appeared at Cape Town Magistrates Court in connection with drink-drive charges.

Anthony Cooper, 36, of Brighton, was already charged with starting a blaze in January in which a woman died.

In May he turned up to court late and allegedly drunk, after driving. He had blamed his lateness on a puncture.

He was late for his court appearance on Friday on the drink-drive charge, so a warrant was issued for his arrest.

It was the second warrant to be issued in connection with the drink-drive charge.

Mr Cooper is accused of causing the fatal fire earlier this year by dropping a cigarette end into the brush.

It is claimed that Mr Cooper, who is charged with arson and culpable homicide, was seen by mountain rangers who arrested him.

Air got into the 'oil thingy' Anthony Cooper

More than 150 firefighters together with water-carrying helicopters struggled to bring it under control.

Homes were evacuated as 150 firefighters tackled the blaze which filled the city centre with smoke.

British tourist Janet Chesworth, 65, died from smoke inhalation.

After Mr Cooper was 30 minutes late for court on Friday, he told magistrate Ingrid Freitag: "I had a problem with my car.

"Air got into the 'oil thingy', and the engine got covered in oil."

Court records

Ms Freitag told him: "Car trouble again? Last time it was a puncture, this time engine trouble - I'm not sure I believe you."

She said Mr Cooper was not making a good impression and warned that she was entitled to cancel his bail and keep him in custody, because late arrivals breached his bail conditions.

Court records state that he was "under the influence" on May 23.

Mr Cooper told the court he did not have a drinking problem and was unaware that court records stated he was drunk at his previous appearance.

The drink-drive case was postponed to 11 August. A date has not been set for the hearing into the fatal fire allegations.