Soldier in court over Belfast hotel fire

A 23-year-old British soldier was remanded in custody today on charges relating to a fire at a Belfast hotel.

Daniel John Casely, whose address was given as Regiment Headquarters, Coldstream Guards, Wellington Barracks, London, appeared before magistrates in Belfast.

Casely faced charges of arson with intent to endanger life and with causing £15,000 (€23,600)-worth of damage to the kitchen of the Travel Lodge Hotel in the city’s Brunswick Street yesterday morning.

A detective constable told the court he could connect the accused with the charges.

The court also heard that when charged, Casely made no reply.

The soldier was remanded in custody to appear in court via a video link on December 17.

A second man arrested with Casely was released by police earlier pending further inquiries.