Court issues arrest warrant for man who set fire to East Melbourne Synagogue while up to 20 people were inside

The sentencing of a man who set the doors of a Melbourne synagogue alight while up to 20 people were inside has been delayed after the court issued a warrant for his arrest. Up to 20 worshippers were inside the East Melbourne Synagogue on Albert St for Shabbat when Angelo Loras, 34, set the doors alight on July 4. Those inside managed to escape without injury through a back door. Loras pleaded guilty to charges of arson and recklessly endangering people. He was due to be sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon, however proceedings were adjourned to a later date as the court instead ordered a warrant for his arrest. Loras had spent more than 100 days in custody over the incident, but was released on strict bail on Monday.