Man appears in court charged with endangering life by throwing petrol bomb at house in Cork

A 45-year-old man living in the Mallow area appeared in court today 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 that 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.

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

Specifically he is accused of throwing a homemade petrol at the front door of the house at 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 Against the person Act.

The specifics of the endangerment charge in his case allege that 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 that he signs on twice a week at Gurranabraher garda station, stays away from family residing at the particular house at 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 that the possibility of a signed plea of guilty could be considered.