The man accused of setting fire to an abandoned Melbourne factory and killing three people inside could harm himself in custody, a court has been told.
Darren Patrick Clover, 52, who is charged with three counts each of murder and arson causing death, and one count of arson, did not front court on Friday, choosing to stay in a cell.
Legal Aid lawyer Katie Powell appeared on his behalf during the Melbourne Magistrates' Court filing hearing, saying there were "significant concerns" her client would harm himself in custody.
Clover had a formal diagnosis of depression and was taking prescription medication, Ms Powell said.
She asked for a mental health assessment to be conducted.
Police arrested Clover on Thursday after firefighters discovered the bodies of three people, believed to be squatters, in an old Footscray ropeworks factory.
The victims' next of kin had yet to be notified, the court heard.
The factory site had been recently sold and was set to be developed into apartments.
Plans for the redevelopment had been approved by the council the night before the fire.
Police will be formatting CCTV footage related to the incident, and will be lodging forensic and DNA evidence for analysis, the court heard.
The police prosecution asked for more time for the hand-up brief to be compiled, considering the complexity of the investigation and the severity of the alleged crimes.
No application for bail was made.
Clover is due to appear via video link for a committal mention on June 9.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
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