One of three people who allegedly set a car on fire and then tried to claim $12,000 insurance on it said it was "impossible" she could have done it, a court has heard.
Christopher Charles Johnson, 35, and Sharna Lee Fisher, 35, fronted the Launceston Magistrates Court on Friday, April 10, 2026.
They have been jointly charged with a count each of attempting to dishonestly acquire a financial advantage and unlawfully setting fire to property.
A third person was also charged in relation to the alleged incident.
Police have alleged that between January 19 and 20, 2025, they set fire to a Ford EcoSport and caused $12,000 in damages.
Shortly afterward on January 20, 2025, they allegedly made a deceptive $12,000 insurance claim.
It was the first appearance on the matter for Johnson and Fisher, who were both unrepresented by a lawyer and did not plead on the charges.
Fisher, who appeared via telephone, was asked by magistrate Simon Brown if she wanted to seek legal advice before entering any pleas.
"I think I should ... it's impossible that I could've done that," the Carlton resident told the court.
"It's really important you don't discuss or disclose matters to me. I urge you to get onto legal advice starting today," Mr Brown replied.
Johnson, who appeared in person, has also been charged with unrelated driving offences.
These include exceeding 100kmh while the holder of a learner licence, failing to clearly display an L-plate, and driving with drugs in his oral fluid, namely methylamphetamine and amphetamine.
The allegations stem from an incident on the Esk Highway on September 3, 2025.
The magistrate adjourned the matters of both Fisher and Johnson for plea to June 12.