This story contains references to alleged domestic violence.
A father has been charged with murdering three of his children.
The 28-year-old did not appear during his first court date on Thursday, when he was expected to face a bedside hearing after initially being left in a coma following , in Sydney’s west.
Three of his children, aged six, two and five months, died in the fire on Sunday, while three others were hospitalised.
The man has been charged with three counts of domestic violence-related murder and a further five counts of attempted murder.
His lawyer did not apply for bail during a brief hearing at Parramatta Local Court, instead asking for an eight-week adjournment.
Magistrate Joy Bolous heard the man had no criminal record and had only previously appeared before the court on tax-related matters.
Tributes have been laid at the site the fatal house fire. Source: AAP / Thomas Parrish
The attempted murder charges relate to four other children – aged between four and 11 – and the man’s 29-year-old partner, all of whom survived.
The man is also accused of destroying or damaging property with the intent of endangering life.
He was held in hospital under police guard in an induced coma after the fire, during which he suffered burns and smoke inhalation.
The man is due to appear in Penrith Local Court on September 6.
Investigators put the survival of the four remaining children and their mother down to the heroic efforts of neighbours and responders, some of whom suffered minor injuries.
One neighbour, Jarrod Hawkins, said he smashed down the front door and worked to rescue several children, who he could hear coughing and yelling from inside the house.
An online fundraiser started by Mr Hawkins for the surviving family members had raised more than $27,000 by Thursday morning.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at and
If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.
Source Agencies
