The man accused of setting the Five Points Fire last winter did not show up for his court date Wednesday.
Giovanni Cartolano, 62, faces arson endangering life and fraud charges, and was to appear in Barrie court. His lawyer appeared as his agent, as is allowed under the law.
Police allege a man poured a flammable liquid inside the Riviera Restaurant on Dunlop Street, an establishment which Cartolano and Laverne Williams, 40, co-owned, on the night of December 6, setting off an explosion that forced dozens of nearby apartment residents from their homes, and spawning a fire that gobbled up several businesses, causing $4.5 million in damage.
Part of Cartolano’s release conditions, after he and Williams were arrested last February, was for him to stay away from Barrie except for court dates. Both he and Williams are from the Toronto area.
Cartolano is due back in court June 11, Williams is to reappear May 21.
Today's Weather 
Clear and 11°C
Clear and 11°C
