A MAN charged after a backyard explosion burnt three children has fronted court for the first time.
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Raymond Harland Hubbard appeared in Gunnedah Local Court on Tuesday morning on three charges stemming from the fire off Little Barber St on November 6.
The now 48-year-old is charged with three counts of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.
Hubbard, who was represented by a solicitor, was not required to enter a plea to the charges which have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to takeover because of the seriousness of the charges.
If convicted, the offence carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
Acting Magistrate Mal MacPherson ordered police to serve a brief of evidence on Hubbard’s solicitor by the start of January.
The case will then return to court later that month.
Mr MacPherson continued Hubbard’s bail which includes a condition not to approach the three boys who were injured in the explosion.
Police allege Hubbard poured an accelerant on a fire at a birthday party in Little Barber St, sparking an explosion which burnt three teenagers.
A 17-year-old boy suffered burns to his face, arms and legs and was flown to Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital last month where he was in a critical condition. His condition has since improved, but he remains in hospital.
A 16-year-old boy was also taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment for burns to his arms, legs and face.
A 15-year-old boy suffered burns to his legs. He was treated at Tamworth hospital and later released.
According to court documents, Hubbard is alleged to have caused grievous bodily harm to each of the boys and was reckless at the time occasioning actual bodily harm.
Last week, Hubbard told Fairfax Media the party was being held at his place and it was “a freak accident that happened”. He organised a fundraiser and said he wanted “to do all he can to help with costs” for the boys treatment and recovery.