Man confesses setting fire to Cork building

A man confessed to setting fire to a building in Cork City centre creating a substantial risk of death or injury.

At Cork Circuit Criminal Court, Paul Deegan pleaded guilty to all five counts.

The first two charges related to Dec 27, 2011. Deegan admitted committing arson to the ground floor of 12 Sheares St, Cork, intending or being reckless to the endangerment of life of another person. A second charge was that on that date, he caused criminal damage by arson, creating a risk of death or serious harm.

The next three charges relate to Jan 2, 2012. Deegan was accused of entering the same property as a trespasser and committing arson, damaging the ground floor stairway, and intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct which created a risk of death of serious harm to another.

Niamh Stewart, defending, applied for an adjournment of sentencing and for free legal to be extended to cover the preparation of a medical report.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin adjourned sentencing until Nov 5.