Man accused of role in 'complete destruction' of Cork house 'protesting his innocence'

Irish Examiner

17 hours ago

A man who was allegedly involved in an arson attack which caused the 'complete destruction' of the home of a couple in their late 80s is 'protesting his innocence,' a court has heard.
Paul McCarthy of Dowth Avenue, Cabra in Dublin appeared before Cork District Court on a charge of arson at Fernbrook, Ballincrokig in Co Cork on April 24 last.
The court previously heard that Mr McCarthy, aged 37, was allegedly one of three men who drove from Dublin to Cork to set fire to a house. Gardaí also previously alleged that the arson was video recorded by one of the men and that the pensioners were not the target of the attack.
Sgt John Kelleher told Judge John King that €550,000 in fire damage was caused to the property. This, he stated, led to the 'complete destruction' of the house.
He said that Mr McCarthy first appeared before the court on May 7 last in connection with his alleged role in the incident. He has been remanded in custody since.
Sgt Kelleher said that forensic results are awaited in the case following the search of two properties. He applied for a four-week remand in custody in the case.
Defence barrister Nicholas Hall said that his client insists that he is innocent of the crime. He stated that the searches were carried out 'early on' and asked that the matter be expedited.
Judge King remanded Mr McCarthy in custody until August 20 next for DPP directions. The accused will appear by video link again on that date.
Case background
Meanwhile, Garda Brian Murphy previously objected to bail when the matter first came before Cork District Court. He said that it was alleged that at 9pm on April 24 last a car arrived at the house in Ballincollig and three people exited.
"Two enter the curtilage of the property and ignited two glass petrol bombs with a blowtorch. They smashed a bedroom window and threw in these petrol bombs.
'The third person – believed to be Paul McCarthy – stands close to the vehicle and allegedly films the incident on his mobile phone.
"The Skoda Octavia enters the Plaza filling station in Portlaoise just before midnight and Paul McCarthy is identified, filling the car with €30 diesel and leaving without paying.'
Garda Murphy said that a man aged 87 and his 86-year-old wife were watching television in the house at the time. He told the court that the house was quickly engulfed in flames but the couple were unharmed.