Insanity verdict in Bantry fire case

A MAN who was found not guilty, by reason of insanity, of setting fire to a neighbour’s house in Bantry was committed to the Central Mental Hospital for treatment by court order.

John O’Donoghue, 45, of Caherdaniel West, Bantry, Co Cork, was put on trial by judge and jury on a charge of arson.

The particulars of the charge were that he caused damage by fire to the home of Margaret O’Leary being reckless as to whether the life of another was endangered. €250,000 was the amount of damage as the house was destroyed.