Accused Orillia arsonist Brandon Costa’s case is inching forward in the courts.
During a brief video-remand appearance on Tuesday, the 35-year-old Brampton man had his case put over for a judicial pre-trial on March 19 and 21. He remains in custody.
The development, though small, represents the first sign of progress in the case after several remand appearances over the past month.
A little more than a week after he was originally arrested and charged on Jan. 22, provincial police say he was found with a lighter, which was in violation of his release conditions.
Costa was placed back into custody at Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.
The Crown has sought to keep him behind bars until the case plays out.
During Tuesday's court appearance, Costa was told by a justice of the peace that the issue of bail can be addressed during next month's court dates.
Costa is accused of setting the massive fire that tore through a historic building in downtown Orillia on Jan. 21 and burned for much of the next day.
There were no injuries, but the building, located at the corner of Peter and Mississaga streets, was deemed a total loss. Estimates at the time put the damage at $4 million.
Costa was picked up the next day and charged with arson. He was quickly released, but two more charges were tacked on when police found him in breach of his release order.
