Cork judge refuses jurisdiction after hearing the cost of alleged arson damage

Sgt Davis said the DPP had previously indicated summary jurisdiction but that was before the estimate for the damage was put at €28,000. File picture: Larry Cummins

District Court jurisdiction was refused in the case against a 25-year-old man accused of arson at a house in Knocknaheeny one year ago as it emerged that the estimate for the amount of damage has now been put at more than €28,000.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said that this estimate had now been given for the amount of the damage caused, and Judge Mary Dorgan said: “Given that estimate of damage I am refusing jurisdiction.” The case now goes back to the DPP for directions, as a result of this refusal of jurisdiction.

Sgt Davis said the DPP had previously indicated summary jurisdiction but that was before the estimate for the damage was put at €28,000.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said on behalf of defendant Shane Hendricks: “He has instructed me he wishes to enter a plea. If that moves things along in terms of accessing directions now that he has indicated a plea. He will consent to a four-week adjournment.” Judge Dorgan remanded Shane Hendricks in custody until April 10.

Garda Ray Costello objected to bail being granted again to 26-year-old Shane Hendricks who was arrested at Tramore Valley Park walkway near Douglas in Cork, on Wednesday night, March 5. He was given bail last year but breached it earlier this month and was remanded in custody.

Garda Costello said the accused was not living at the address specified in Farranree and was of no fixed address, not keeping a curfew, not signing on at a garda station, not staying north of the River Lee and not turning up in court when required.

The accused asked Judge Mary Dorgan to bear in mind he was living in a tent with his girlfriend who needed his support.

Last year, when he was first before the court, Hendricks was at the address at Kilmore Heights, Knocknaheeny, Cork, where it was alleged that the arson occurred.

Garda Cillian O’Connell said: “Gardaí attended a report of a house fire at 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 they were out of it when the gardaí arrived.

“While gardaí were in attendance, Shane Hendricks of 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 setting the fire while at home and that he is currently off his medication which he is prescribed.” The arson charge relates to March 25, 2024.