Two charged over 1992 fire

Two Port Kennedy residents have been charged over a fire which gutted the Kwolyin Hotel in 1992.

Port Kennedy resident Gerald Stokes appeared at the Northam Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing fraud and criminal damage by fire charges.

The 67-year-old was granted bail and will reappear on March 19.

Wheatbelt detectives charged Mr Stokes along with another Port Kennedy resident, a 59-year-old woman, last week in connection with a fire at the Kwolyin Hotel near Bruce Rock in February 1992.

Police say in June 2011, the case was reviewed and subsequently re-opened following the discovery of new evidence.

The woman was arrested and charged with one count of fraud and will appear in the Northam Magistrate’s Court on February 27.