Man accused of risking garda’s life in Gatso van fire

A BOOK of evidence was served on a man accused of endangering the life of a garda by setting fire to the Gatso van in which he was sitting.

Detective Garda Maurice Leahy served the prosecution documents on Garett Hill, 30, and on two counts related to the alleged incident in the Blarney area in August 2009. Hill is charged with committing an arson, whereby, without lawful excuse, he caused damage by fire to a 08-registered Garda Gatso van with the intention of causing such damage or being reckless as to whether the damage was caused.

Secondly, Hill is charged with intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct, namely setting fire to the van occupied by Garda Paul Hooley, which created a substantial risk of death or serious injury.