Cork man threatened to burn woman's house down over young person's debt, court told

It was also alleged that the defendant caused €650 worth of damage to her house

Judge O’Leary adjourned the case until November 4 to allow time for directions to be obtained from the DPP. File picture: Larry Cummins

A woman was put in fear that her house would be burned down by a man who claimed that money was owed to him by a young person in the house.

Jerry Hogan, who moved recently to Gort Na Glaise, Kilmoney, Carrigaline, County Cork, was before Cork District Court on Monday looking for bail but there was an objection from the prosecution.

Garda Shane Heffernan said: “We believe he is a danger to the community in the context of a threat to set fire to a home if money not paid.” The young man was charged with causing damage to the house by allegedly smashing windows and following this 10 days later with a threat to burn down the house if money was not paid.

Garda Heffernan said one of the grounds for objection was the seriousness of the case. He testified that on arrival at the scene on September 1 gardaí received a report of alleged criminal damage at the house at Comeragh Park, The Glen, Cork.

“The front kitchen window was smashed and four glass panels surrounding the front door and a glass panel at the top of the front door were broken,” Garda Heffernan said. It was alleged that one member of the family observed Jerry Hogan running from the driveway of the property.

It was further alleged that on September 11 the woman living at that house said she received a number of calls from Jerry Hogan via Facebook Messenger.

“She did not answer any of these calls. Jerry Hogan then messaged her, stating 'last chance to pay or house', followed by two fire symbols. She was put in fear that her home would be burnt out,” Garda Heffernan said.

It was alleged that the cost of the September 1 damage amounted to €650 to repair. 

Bail proceedings

Garda Heffernan said there was an ongoing dispute between the defendant and parties in the house who are known to each other.

“I believe if granted bail he will commit further criminal damage, mainly arson,” Garda Heffernan said.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said: “There is CCTV of him going to the house on August 30 but ironically enough that same CCTV which is all over the house does not show him going next or near the house on September 1 or September 11. Because he has not been next or near the house since August 30.” 

Mr Burke said the defendant moved to the Carrigaline address in the past four weeks and would agree to a bail condition to stay away out of Cork City.

Judge Philip O’Leary said he would grant bail on strict conditions. Jerry Hogan was required to stay out of the north side of Cork City, reside at the Carrigaline address, keep an 11pm to 7am curfew, have no contact directly or indirectly with any of the family in the Comeragh Park House or any witness in the case.

On the application by Sergeant Gearóid Davis, Judge O’Leary then adjourned the case until November 4 to allow time for directions to be obtained from the DPP.