Cork man accused of arson in Blackpool to face trial

Edward Keenan, aged 39, of 22 St John’s Well, Blackpool, Cork, appeared in Cork District Court in relation to the case.

The DPP has directed trial by judge and jury in the case against a Cork man accused of criminal damage by arson at a building under construction in the Blackpool area.

Edward Keenan, aged 39, of 22 St John’s Well, Blackpool, Cork, appeared in Cork District Court in relation to the case.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial by indictment. He said the DPP did not consent to the option whereby the accused could sign a plea of guilty at district court level and be sent forward for sentencing at the circuit court.

In that event, Sgt Davis asked for an adjournment of the case so that a book of evidence could be prepared.

Usually, the DPP will allow a guilty plea to be entered at the district court. If Mr Keenan wishes to plead guilty to the arson charge he will not be able to do so until after he has been served with a book of evidence and sent forward for trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Keenan is accused of causing criminal damage by arson at the property under construction on May 25, 2023, at the junction of Thomas Davis St and Spring Lane, Blackpool, Cork.

Represented in court by solicitor Shane Collins-Daly, Mr Keenan was remanded on continuing bail by Judge John King until February 19 at Cork District Court for preparation and service of a book of evidence.