Two youths remanded over car petrol attack

TWO Limerick youths, aged 17, were remanded in custody at a special sitting of Limerick District Court last night in connection with Sunday’s fire bomb attack.

They are charged with intentionally and recklessly causing serious harm to siblings, Gavin, four, and Millie Murray, six, at Pineview Gardens contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act.

In another development last night, a third Limerick youth, 16, was arrested in Moyross and a garda spokesman said he was being questioned in connection with related matters.

More than 30 uniformed gardaí and armed detectives secured the courtroom for last night’s remand hearing and only solicitors, members of the press and relatives of the two accused were allowed into the building.

On the application of Inspector Anne Marie McMahon both youths, with addresses at Pineview Gardens and Delmege Park, Moyross, were remanded to St Patrick’s Institution in Dublin and will appear next Tuesday at the same court.

John Devane, solicitor for one, told the court that he will be making a bail application for his client next Tuesday. Mr Devane also requested that while in custody his client gets access to medical treatment because of his concern for his psychological well-being.

Ted McCarthy, solicitor for the other accused, also requested that appropriate medical care be made available to his client. The accused teenagers were dealt with separately during the hearing.

A woman was heard saying to one as he stood in court that he had “nothing to be ashamed of”.

Detective Sgt Pat O’Callaghan and Garda Joseph O’Sullivan gave evidence of arresting and charging both accused.

Judge Tom O’Donnell advised media the two accused could not be identified under the Children’s Act of 2001.

Meanwhile, Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy yesterday visited the scene of Sunday’s fire bomb attack.

Millie and Gavin Murray received massive burns when the family Corolla was engulfed in flames.

Their mother, Sheila and a number of local youths dragged the two children from the car.

The children are in a critical condition at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.