File to be submitted to DPP in relation to arson attack on home of elderly Cork couple

A file is to be submitted to the DPP by the end of the month in relation to a man who was allegedly part of a group of three people who set fire to a house in which a couple in their eighties were watching television.

Paul McCarthy of Dowth Avenue, Cabra in Dublin appeared before Cork District Court today having been charged in connection with an arson attack at Fernbrook, Ballincrokig, Co Cork on April 24 last.

The court previously heard that €550,000 in damage was caused to the property of the married couple who were in their home when the property became engulfed in flames.

The complete destruction of the house was recorded by one of the men involved in the incident. Gardai indicated that the couple were not believed to be the intended target of the attack.

Mr McCarthy was represented in Cork District Court today by defence barrister Nicholas Hall, BL. Mr Hall told Judge Brendan O’Reilly that his client had entered custody over a hundred days ago. He previously requested that the matter be expedited.

Sgt Gearoid Davis said that he expected the file on the case to be sent to the DPP shortly.

“The file has been submitted at local level. I would expect it to be gone in that time (by the next court appearance.)” 

Mr McCarthy was further remanded in custody. A file is due to be sent to the DPP by August 29th when he is next before the court.

Meanwhile, Garda Brian Murphy previously objected to bail when the matter first came before Cork District Court.

He said that it was alleged that at 9pm on April 24 last a car arrived at the house in Ballincrokig and three people exited.

"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.” 

Garda Murphy said that a man aged 87 and his 86-year-old wife were watching television in the house at the time. He said the house was quickly englulfed in flames but they were unharmed. Garda Murphy said that if it had been a short time later the couple 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 investigations, gardaí are not of the belief that these persons were the intended victims.” 

He added that it was alleged that Mr McCarthy drove from Dublin with the two other individuals.