A Supreme Court justice has determined that Preston Richardson, a prominent coal seam gas magnate who died by suicide in 2018, deliberately set fire to his $10 million Queensland mansion in an attempted insurance fraud scheme. The ruling concludes a nearly decade-long legal battle surrounding the December 2016 blaze that destroyed the colonial-style estate known as Wirraway in Biddaddaba.
Justice Tom Sullivan found compelling evidence that Richardson, who was alone in the residence during the early hours of December 28, 2016, orchestrated the destruction of the property to collect a massive insurance payout worth $10.024 million. The court heard that Richardson faced significant financial pressures at the time and had placed the mansion on the market to alleviate his monetary difficulties.
The lavish property, purchased four years earlier for $3.57 million, featured extensive amenities including a ballroom, wine cellar with tasting room, swimming pool pavilion, and tennis court. Despite expert examinations being unable to definitively determine the fire’s origin, Justice Sullivan cited Richardson’s clear motive and opportunity as conclusive circumstantial evidence.
Most damningly, the judgment revealed Richardson’s attempt to manipulate his friend Craig Brook into accepting responsibility for the arson. Recorded conversations showed Richardson pleading with Brook to “do the time” in exchange for financial support, while arguing he needed to remain free for his children. Justice Sullivan characterized these exchanges as demonstrating “a consciousness of guilt on the part of Mr Richardson.”
The case emerged from a civil lawsuit between Richardson’s company, PBR Properties, and Chubb Insurance Australia, which had refused to pay the substantial claim following the fire. Richardson’s wife Miranda had effectively separated from him and moved out with their children prior to the incident, leaving Richardson as the sole occupant at the time of the blaze.