DPP given three weeks for directions in case against man accused of setting fire to Cork pub

The case will be struck out on November 25 if DPP directions are not available

It was previously stated that up to 50 patrons and staff were visibly present inside Murphy's Rock Bar at the time of the alleged offence. File picture: Larry Cummins

The case against a man accused of arson by petrol bomb at Murphy’s Rock pub in Ballyvolane on September 1 will be struck out on November 25 if DPP directions are not available.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer asked for the case against Stephen McCarthy to be adjourned on a peremptory basis against the State for those directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Judge Mary Dorgan granted the adjournment on that basis.

It was previously stated that up to 50 patrons and staff were visibly present inside the premises at the time of the alleged offence.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway previously objected to bail being granted to Stephen McCarthy of Bay 10, Spring Lane halting site, Cork, and on Tuesday at Cork District Court the accused appeared by video link from prison.

He faces a number of charges including that on Sunday, September 1, at Murphy’s Rock, Ballincollie Road, Dublin Hill, Cork, he committed arson in that he damaged by fire property, namely doors, windows, blinds and exterior and interior paint, intending damage or being reckless as to whether it would be damaged.

Stephen McCarthy is also charged with two counts of having a weapon at the same time and place.

Case background

In terms of the seriousness of the case, Detective Garda Motherway said Stephen McCarthy was socialising at the premises when he was asked to leave at 9.50pm.

“He left the premises after a verbal argument with a security guard and went to his car and retrieved a slash-hook and attempted to strike a security staff member with it. 

"He disarmed Mr McCarthy and took the slash-hook but Mr McCarthy then retrieved an axe from his car and walked towards the security staff but did not attempt to strike them. Gardaí attended but Stephen McCarthy had made good his escape.

“At approximately 10.50pm Stephen McCarthy again returned to Murphy’s Rock, allegedly in possession of two plastic bottles containing petrol which he sprayed over the front of the premises before lighting it — resulting in damage to the outside and the interior of the premises.

“The premises had 40 to 50 patrons and staff inside at the time. Confronted by security staff, Mr McCarthy threw petrol at them at the scene and was held until the arrival of gardaí.

“He also attempted to set bottles alight but failed and continued to throw petrol over the flames. He allegedly had nine deals of cocaine valued €630 on his person when searched later,” Det. Garda Motherway testified.