A MAN accused of setting fire to his girlfriend's house and making threats to kill was yesterday committed to stand trial.

Shane John Cotter, 34, allegedly bashed his girlfriend in the front yard of a neighbour's house before breaking into the Richards St house and setting it alight.

The Ballarat Magistrate's Court heard the fire started in one of the bedrooms.

In a statement tendered to court, forensic scientist Rachel Noble said the fire was probably caused by a match or cigarette lighter using available materials such as the mattress.

She said the southeastern bedroom sustained the most damage, while other rooms in the house sustained minor to moderate heat damage.

Cotter yesterday made a bail application that was opposed by the prosecution.

Defense lawyer Anthony Lewis said Cotter had already spent seven-and-a-half months in jail.

He said in recent times Cotter had spent significant amounts of time remanded in custody for offences that he was ultimately acquitted of.

Mr Lewis said Cotter would be able to live with his girlfriend in Horsham if granted bail and be subject to stringent controls.

Ballarat police Detective Sergeant Craig Dooley said he was worried about the safety of witnesses.

"My major concern is my witnesses, they have expressed fear throughout," he said.

Magistrate Barbara Cotterell said one witness had been put under huge pressure to change her statement and was clearly scared of Cotter.

Cotter is charged with arson, recklessly causing injury, intentionally causing injury, making threats to kill and threatening to destroy property.

The bail hearing was adjourned part-heard until next Tuesday. Cotter will stand trial in the County Court at a date to be fixed.