Man denies petrol bomb and threat charges

A Blarney man accused of throwing a petrol bomb into a neighbour’s house and other counts, including threatening to kill or seriously injure two women, complained yesterday that he had been remanded in custody for two weeks for crimes he did not commit.

Judge Con O’Leary told Michael Murphy, of 28 Woodfield Hall, Station Rd, Blarney, Co Cork, that it was a matter for the DPP or the judge to decide if the case should be heard by judge and jury.

At Cork District Court yesterday, Mr Murphy said to Judge O’Leary: “I am going to prove beyond reasonable doubt that I am innocent. I want to be tried by judge and jury.”

Inspector Gary McPolin applied for a four-week adjournment of the case so that the Garda file could be completed and directions obtained from the DPP.

It is alleged that, on February 17 at 12 Woodfield Hall, Station Rd, the 32-year-old intentionally or recklessly engaged in conduct, namely throwing a lit petrol bomb into the house occupied by Laura O’Callaghan. He is also charged with threatening to kill Seline O’Callaghan and Laura O’Callaghan.