Petrol bomb accused complains over delay in case

A 33-year-old Blarney, Co Cork, man accused of throwing a lighting petrol bomb into a house as well as assaulting a woman and three counts of threatening to kill women, complained yesterday about a delay in his case.

He complained through his solicitor that no directions were yet available from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Garrett Hill, of 18 The View, Gleann Na Rí, Tower, Blarney, appeared on bail yesterday at Cork District Court.

Inspector Joe O’Connor said: “The file has been sent to the DPP. They are in possession of the file.”

The inspector said, as recently as yesterday morning, the DPP’s office informed him during a phonecall the delay in giving directions was simply because of the volume of work and that the office was inundated.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor for Mr Hill, did not doubt that the DPP’s office had said this to the inspector but stated: “I don’t accept the volume of work argument. I don’t accept that at all.”

Judge Leo Malone said he would put the case back for two weeks for the DPP’s directions.

Mr Buttimer asked the judge to direct the DPP to give an explanation to the court on the next occasion if no directions were available on June 25.

Judge Malone said he would not make such an order but he expected the inspector would refer the DPP to the points raised in court yesterday in relation to the case.

Hill, on bail, is accused that on February 17 last at 12 Woodfield Hall, Station Road, he intentionally or recklessly engaged in conduct, namely throwing a lit petrol bomb, into a house occupied by Laura O’Callaghan which created a substantial risk of death or serious injury.