Cork man charged with endangering life by throwing petrol bomb at house

Accused is additionally charged with causing damage to the front door, internal walls, ceiling and porch of the house

Co-accused is charged with swinging a slash-hook in a threatening manner in the direction of people residing at the house, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm. Picture: Dan Linehan

A 45-year-old man appeared in court on Tuesday charged with endangering life by throwing a petrol bomb at a house in Cork City almost two years ago.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed the case should proceed by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, or the defendant could sign a plea of guilty in Cork District Court and be sentenced at the circuit court.

John Paul Mullins, who now lives at Old Creamery, Kilcorney, Mallow, Co Cork, is charged with endangerment, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Specifically, he is accused of throwing a homemade petrol bomb at the front door of the house on Mount Nebo Avenue on November 29, 2023.

He is additionally charged with causing damage to the front door, internal walls, ceiling and porch of the house.

Detective Garda Garry Purtill said there was no objection to bail on conditions. Those include signing on twice a week at Gurranabraher Garda Station and having no contact with the family directly or indirectly where the alleged petrol-bombing occurred.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until October 20 for consideration of a signed plea by the defence. In the meantime, a precis of evidence and a memo of the defendant’s interview with gardaí is to be sent to Frank Buttimer, solicitor.

A co-accused faces different charges related to the same place and date.

37-year-old Darren O’Hara, of Barrett’s Buildings, Gurranabraher, Cork, is charged with endangerment, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

The specifics of the endangerment charge in his case allege he was swinging a slash-hook in a threatening manner in the direction of people residing at the house on Mount Nebo Avenue, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm.

Mr O’Hara is also charged with causing criminal damage to the roof, gutters and front door of the house on November 29, 2023.

Again, Det Garda Purtill did not object to bail, which was granted on condition he signs on twice a week at Gurranabraher Garda Station, stays away from family residing at the particular house on Mount Nebo Avenue, and has no contact direct or indirect with them.

Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor, asked for a precise of the evidence and a memo of the Garda interview so the possibility of a signed plea of guilty could be considered.