A 37-year-old man charged with a string of offences in relation to what police labelled a "large disturbance" in the remote community of Manyallaluk has been denied bail.
Authorities were called to the Northern Territory community, about 100 kilometres north-east of Katherine, following reports of a disturbance early this morning.
Police said a man allegedly threatened his female partner with an edged weapon at about 2:20am and physically assaulted her.
It was alleged the man then drove dangerously around the small community before returning to his residence and setting it alight.
Police said the house was extensively damaged and a pet dog was found dead inside.
Acting Senior Sergeant Byron May said it had been "incredibly confronting for members of the community and we thank them for quickly contacting police".
"It is extremely sad that a family pet has been killed in the blaze," he said.
The man has been charged with arson, two counts of aggravated assault and property damage, being armed with an offensive weapon at night, disorderly behaviour in a public place, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving dangerously, and the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Bail denied, matter adjourned
The man appeared at Katherine Local Court Monday afternoon, where it heard he should be granted bail to attend rehabilitation due to what his lawyer described as a "limited" criminal record.
But the request was rejected by Judge David Woodroffe, who ordered the man be remanded in custody.
In the Northern Territory, mandatory sentencing can apply for serious property offences.
The accused is expected to next appear in court on March 20.
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