Corkman accused of starting blaze in family home told gardai: 'I did it, I set fire to the room'

Shane Hendricks, aged 25, of 12 Kilmore Heights, Knocknaheeny, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court charged with arson of his own family home.

Gardaí and firefighters attended the scene of a house fire on Monday night where a petrol can was found in one of the bedrooms and a young man living there allegedly told one officer at the scene: “I did it, I set fire to the room”.

Shane Hendricks, aged 25, of 12 Kilmore Heights, Knocknaheeny, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court on Tuesday charged with arson of his own family home.

Garda Cillian O’Connell said gardaí were opposed to bail being granted to the accused because of the seriousness of the offence that was alleged, namely arson.

Garda O’Connell testified: “Gardaí attended a report of a house fire at 12 Kilmore Heights. On arrival, gardaí were met by Cork city firefighters who informed gardaí there had been a fire set in the rear bedroom.

“A petrol can had been recovered from the bedroom and there was extensive damage to the bedroom. Gardaí were also made aware that there were two occupants in the house when the fire was set but were out of it when the gardaí arrived.

“While gardaí were in attendance, Shane Hendricks, of 12 Kilmore Heights, approached them and said to Garda David O’Donoghue, “I did it, I set fire to the room'.

“On being searched at the scene he was found to have a burnt lighter in his pocket. He said in interview that he had consumed a number of cans of alcohol prior to starting the fire while at home and that he is currently off his medication which he is prescribed.”

 Frank Buttimer solicitor said the accused was applying for bail but Sgt Aisling Murphy said gardaí were objecting.

When the defence suggested an alternative address the accused could live at if given bail, Sgt Murphy said time would be required to see if the accused would be welcome there.

The bail application was adjourned until March 27 with the accused remanded in custody until then.

Both prosecution and defence agreed that the accused was on prescribed medication but had not taken it for a number of days.