The jury at the murder trial in Douglas has heard evidence from a woman who worked with the defendant.
Rebecca Natalie Foster was a colleague of Simon Paul Leece for three years, at Age Concern in Ramsey.
She described him as 'pleasant, sweet and good with clients', and said he seemed as shocked as she was when news of the fires was reported.
Statements from police officers involved in Mr Leece's arrest and a search of his room were also read out in court.
The officers found a black Puma bag down the side of the defendant's bed, containing pliers, glue, screwdrivers and nine disposable lighters.
Mr Leece, of Fairfield Terrace in Douglas, is accused of starting a fire in Demesne Road which caused the death of 61-year-old builder Terence Losh, in the early hours of March 22 last year.
He is also charged with lighting three minor fires in the Bucks Road area, hours before the fatal blaze.
The trial continues on Monday when the jury will hear from fire and forensic experts from the United Kingdom.
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