DPP to issue directions next month for arson attack case on elderly Cork couple's home

The inside of the house at Ballincrokig, near Kilcully cemetery, Co Cork, which was destroyed in a suspected arson attack. File picture: David Creedon

Directions from the DPP will be available on October 6 in the case against a man charged with an arson attack that caused €550,000 of damage on a house in Cork which is believed by the prosecution was not the intended target.

40-year-old Paul McCarthy of 40 Dowth Avenue, Cabra, Dublin, was remanded in custody by Judge Mary Dorgan until then on a charge of arson at Fernbrook, Ballincrokig, County Cork, on April 24.

Nicholas Hall barrister complained again on Wednesday of delay and applied to have the matter made peremptory against the State – an application refused by Judge Dorgan.

Det. Garda Brian Murphy objected to bail when the matter first came before Cork District Court, saying: “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 and 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.

Paul McCarthy’s next court appearance will be by video link from prison on October 6 when DPP directions will be available, Sergeant Gearóid Davis said.