A second man accused in connection with an alleged violent home invasion and arson at Coles Bay on Tasmania’s east coast has pleaded not guilty. Hayden James Morrison, 31, entered his plea in the Launceston Magistrates Court today, Monday, September 7, 2026, appearing via video link from prison. He was remanded in custody, with his next hearing scheduled for November.

Mr Morrison is one of three men charged following an incident on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at a rural property on Coles Bay Road. Tasmania Police allege masked men broke into the home of 76-year-old Grant Whelan, assaulted him, and forced him to reveal the location of a firearms safe. Police further allege Mr Whelan was then tied with cable ties, dragged outside, and his house was set alight before the intruders fled in a stolen vehicle. Mr Whelan reportedly spent six days in hospital following the attack.

The three men have been charged with multiple offences, including attempted aggravated burglary, aggravated burglary, aggravated armed robbery, aggravated assault, arson, and motor vehicle stealing. Two of the men, including Mr Morrison, also face a charge of breaching a family violence order, while Mr Morrison faces an additional charge of driving whilst disqualified, according to Pulse Tasmania and Mirage News.

Another accused, Jason Robert Burns, 33, previously pleaded not guilty to the charges in the Launceston Magistrates Court in August 2026. He is scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court later this month. The third man charged, Charlie Hills, 30, was granted bail in July, and his lawyer has indicated he plans to plead not guilty.

Police reported that 15 licensed firearms were stolen from the property, an increase from the nine initially reported, and these firearms have yet to be recovered. The stolen white 1998 Toyota Hilux utility was later recovered partially submerged under the Apsley River Bridge and has undergone forensic testing.

Tasmania Police also allege the three men have been charged over an earlier incident at the same Coles Bay address on June 25.

It is important to remember that all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.

For more details on this ongoing case, readers are encouraged to refer to the original reporting by ABC News Tasmania and other local outlets.