A pensioner charged with causing over €300,000 in criminal damage through a gorse fire that raged through parts of north west Donegal last year has been returned for trial to the circuit court.
Garda Shane O’Gara served a book of evidence on 72-year-old Anthony O’Donnell, Glen Lodge, Drumnacart Mountain, Burtonport at Dungloe District Court this morning.
Inspector Seamus McGonigle asked the court to return the pensioner for trial to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court on January 26.
Judge Paul Kelly granted the application and remanded the defendant on continuing bail.
Defence solicitor Frank Dorrian said that in view of the alleged amount of damage caused, he was asking the court to certify for two counsel at the circuit court trial. This request was granted.
The 72-year-old pensioner is charged with causing €220,000 of damage to the house of Ann Beggs on April 19 last year at Drumnacart, Annagry.
The defendant is also charged with arson and causing extensive damage to the value of €21,500 to the rear of Eugene Morgan’s house.
He is further charged with arson causing extensive damage to the tune of €70,000 to the home and garage of Stef Bullon.
Two further charges – one centring on a shed belonging to Nancy McLaughlin and an oil tank belonging to Liam Cummins – have been levelled against the accused.
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