Man (41) accused of threatening to burn down woman's Dublin home

Tom Tuite

A labourer accused of threatening to burn his female housemate's Dublin home down has been released on bail pending possible extra charges.

Valentin Ursachi (41), formerly of Park Boulevard, Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15, was charged with making a threat to damage the woman's residence in a way likely to endanger her life during the alleged incident on Friday.

He appeared before Judge John Brennan at Dublin District Court on Monday.

Garda Liam Finn objected to bail due to the nature of the case, alleging "he threatened to burn his housemate's house down," and he added that further charges were "most likely".

However, in subsequent exchanges with defence solicitor Tracy Horan, he agreed that the imposition of specific conditions would allay his fears.

Dressed in a cream jacket, white trousers and a navy and beige top, Mr Ursachi, who did not address the court, listened to the proceedings with the aid of a Romanian interpreter.

Judge Brennan ordered him to stay away from the property, surrender his passport within two hours of release, and not apply for replacement travel documents. He was also instructed to have no contact with the complainant and to sign on once a week at a Garda station.

The complainant was not required to attend or give evidence at the bail hearing.

Legal aid was granted after Ms Horan submitted a statement of her client's means and told the court that the man was working on minimum wage. He must appear again on September 19th for the DPP's directions to be conveyed and possible further charges.