Men drove from Dublin to Cork and set fire to house of couple in their 80s, court told

One man was in court charged with arson at Fernbrook, Ballincrokig, Co Cork, on April 24, when he allegedly carried out an arson attack on a house, causing up to €550,000 damage

Elderly couple were not the intended targets, gardaí believe. Picture: Larry Cummins

Three men drove from Dublin to Cork to set fire to a house, causing up to €550,000 damage in the complete destruction of the house, which was video-recorded by one of them. The couple in their 80s who lived there were not believed to be the actual target of the attack, gardaí stated on Wednesday.

Paul McCarthy, aged 37, of 40 Dowth Avenue, Cabra, Dublin, was charged by Detective Garda Brian Murphy with arson at Fernbrook, Ballincrokig, Co Cork, on April 24, when he allegedly carried out an arson attack on a house, causing up to €550,000 damage.

Det Garda Murphy objected to bail and said: “It is alleged that Paul McCarthy drove from Dublin, passing the Watergrasshill toll at 8.30pm.

“At 9pm, the car arrives at the house and three people exit. Two enter the curtilage of the property, ignited two glass petrol bombs with a blowtorch. They smashed a bedroom window and threw in these petrol bombs.

“The third person — believed to be Paul McCarthy — stands close to the vehicle and allegedly films the incident on his mobile phone.

“The Skoda Octavia enters the Plaza filling station in Portlaoise just before midnight, and Paul McCarthy is identified filling the car with €30 diesel and leaving without paying.” 

A man aged 87 and his 86-year-old wife were watching television in the house at the time. It was quickly engulfed in flames but they were unharmed.

“If it had been a short time later, they would have been in bed and possibly killed. Paul McCarthy had complete disregard for the elderly occupants of the property, which was completely destroyed.

“From the initial investigation, gardaí are not of the belief that these persons were the intended victims,” Det Garda Murphy said.

Defence barrister Saoirse Kelly said in the course of a bail application that the accused would agree to any conditions if given bail.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail and remanded the accused in custody until May 14. Sergeant John Kelleher said directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.