Corkman accused of setting fire to family home refused bail

Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail to man charged with arson of his own family home.

Shane Hendricks of 12 Kilmore Heights, Knocknaheeny, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court charged with arson.

A 25-year-old man who said to a garda at the scene of a house fire where a petrol can was found in one of the bedrooms — “I did it, I set fire to the room” — was refused bail on Wednesday.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail to 25-year-old Shane Hendricks of 12 Kilmore Heights, Knocknaheeny, Cork, who appeared before Cork District Court charged with arson of his own family home.

Sergeant John Kelleher said on behalf of the prosecution: “Our concern is that he is a threat to the public at large, and to himself and to his family at the moment.”

 Judge Dorgan noted from the evidence given in the bail application which commenced on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday: “He said he heard voices telling him to burn down the house and he did set fire to the house.” 

 Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said that while the accused did not have medication in the short period before the alleged arson, the taking of prescription medication would be effective in dealing with his condition going forward.

Judge Dorgan refused the bail application and remanded him in custody until April 10.

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.”