A MAN has been charged with alleged criminal damage following a fire that broke out in the Annagry area yesterday. Thomas Brennan, Loughanoran, Anngary appeared before Dungloe District Court this morning where he was granted bail but with strict conditions attached.
Brennan was arrested and taken to Milford Garda Station and was subsequently charged at 12.35am this morning. Gardai made no objection to bail but asked for stringent conditions including a curfew from 8pm to 8am.
Judge Paul Kelly questioned why this was necessary and Inspector Seamus McGonigle told the court they have particular concerns about his behaviour in the evening time.
Representing the accused, Solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian, pointed out that this incident happened during the day. Other bail conditions included an agreement that Brennan will sign on at Bunbeg Garda Station once a week, not to interfere with the witnesses in the case, remain sober and not to light fires regardless if it is on private or public property.
Insp McGonigle said fires at night are more difficult to police and said they feared that under the cover of darkness a fire would reoccur. He added that it was not a “willy nilly” request he was making regarding the time of the curfew.
Mr Dorrian said his client does not have any history of arson or lighting fires and said it was punitive that he be detained at home from 8pm each evening indefinitely.
Insp McGonigle spoke about the reckless nature of what occurred yesterday and said if it happened again he feared the consequences could be much worse.
Judge Kelly granted bail and agreed to impose a curfew from 10pm to 7am. He noted that there is no social activities taking place right now so it should not be a major imposition for Brennan.
Legal aid was granted to Mr Dorrian and the case was adjourned until June 9.
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