Mr Briggs faced Horsham Magistrates’s Court on Wednesday charged with 76 fire offences relating to 23 blazes.

Briggs was bailed to appear at Horsham Country Court on October 19 for trial and sentencing.

Matters in the case were heard on Tuesday, but Briggs experienced illness and the case was adjourned.

Ararat Crime Investigation Unit arrested Briggs in December last year after a two-year arson investigation.

It came after fire crews responded to a blaze at Concongella.

The fire was the latest in a five-year series of arson attacks in the Great Western and Concongella regions.

Briggs was arrested in Bulgana.

On Wednesday, the prosecution indicated it would withdraw all other charges if Briggs pleaded guilty to five indictable charges, which related to recklessly causing a bushfire, and having items for the purpose of damaging property.

Magistrate Cynthia Toose read out Briggs’ bail conditions, which included that he must not leave his residence between 10pm and 6am, except when in the company of his parents.

He must also present to the front door of the residence if requested by police.

Briggs is also forbidden from travelling outside Victoria or Australia, or contacting witnesses for the prosecution.

He is not allowed within 10 metres of Walsh’s Reserve on Salt Creek Road, Concongella, or at Stawell’s rifle range.