Cork man admits arson attack on house owned by social housing group

It is alleged the front door of the property was damaged by fire while a kitchen window was also damaged

On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher at Cork District Court, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until October 14 for a technical matter, and it is anticipated that it will be sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on October 29. File picture: Larry Cummins

A guilty plea was signed by a 55-year-old man accused of carrying out an arson attack on a house in Hollyhill last May.

Garda Garry Purtill originally arrested Raymond Walsh with an address at Killavullen, Mallow, Co Cork, and charged him with arson and causing criminal damage. Sergeant John Kelleher said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial by indictment in the case.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer had requested a copy of prosecution evidence including a memo of the garda interview with the defendant so that a decision could be made on whether the case would be contested or a signed plea of guilty would be entered.

Now at Cork District Court, Mr Buttimer has indicated that the accused was entering a signed plea of guilty to the charges against him.

Raymond Walsh admitted the charge that on May 6, 2023, at a house at Meadow Crescent, The Meadows, Hollyhill, Cork, he committed arson where he damaged by fire the front door of a property intending the damage or being reckless.

Secondly, he admitted causing criminal damage to the kitchen window of the same property belonging to Tuath Housing.

On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher at Cork District Court, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until October 14 for a technical matter, and it is anticipated that it will be sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on October 29.