Volunteer firefighter convicted over Black Saturday bushfire

Sokaluk, who is autistic and has a mild intellectual disability, was seen in the area around Jelleff’s Outlet, where the fire was started, and was one of the first to call emergency services. His broken-down car was found burnt out on the road where the fire started.

The court was told Sokaluk told several lies to cover his tracks, including telling one person he was on his way to a wedding while claiming to others that he was in the area to visit a friend.

"[He is] shattered, of course,” said his lawyer, Jane Dixon QC. “I think he is a bit lost at the moment.”

A sentencing date has not yet been set. Sokaluk is likely to appeal.