Teenager charged over €3m fire damage

A 16-year-old boy was arrested yesterday and charged with arson at an apartment complex, causing €3m in criminal damage.

Garda Denis O’Sullivan arrested the teenager yesterday morning, charged him with arson, and brought him before Cork District Court.

The charge states that on Dec 29, 2010 at Atkins Hall, Lee Rd, Cork, the accused committed arson in that he did, without lawful excuse, damage by fire two apartment buildings to the value of €3m, intending to damage the property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.

Judge Con O’Leary said that, in light of the amount of damage in the charge, he would refuse to accept jurisdiction to hear the case. “Whatever the nature of the conduct which led to it, it might well be disproportionate, but I refuse jurisdiction,” said the judge.

Insp Mary King asked for the case to be adjourned for four weeks to allow the preparation and service of a book of evidence. There was no garda objection to the accused being remanded on bail until July 13.

It is anticipated the case will be sent forward to the October session of Cork Circuit Criminal Court.