Three charged over Clondalkin arson attack that left mother with life-changing burns
A man and two co-defendants appeared at Dublin District Court after a west Dublin mother was set on fire at her home in November. All three made no reply when charged.
Three held over Clondalkin fire attack on mother of west Dublin
Paul Brannigan, 34, of Lealand Drive, Clondalkin, was remanded in custody on Saturday after being charged with the attempted murder of Alexis Campion, 44, who was set alight at her home in Oak Downs, Clondalkin, on 25 November, independent.ie reports.
Campion sustained severe, life-changing burns to her face and body in the attack. She was in a coma for weeks afterwards and remains in hospital.
Brannigan faced a second charge of assault causing harm to a named male who was present at the property on the same date. He was automatically held on remand, as the District Court has no jurisdiction to consider bail in attempted murder cases — any such application must be made to the High Court.
Garda Danielle O'Sullivan told the court that Brannigan made no reply when charged. Dressed in a black T-shirt, grey pants and sliders, he sat in silence throughout the hearing and did not indicate a plea. His solicitor, Carol Slattery, said he was not working and was a suitable candidate for legal aid, which Judge John Hughes granted.
Two co-defendants appeared alongside Brannigan at Dublin District Court. Nathan Dolan, 18, of Monastery Gate Avenue, Clondalkin, and Keith McCabe, 41, with an address at Thornfield Square, Clondalkin, were each charged with making threats to kill Campion and the named male, and with extortion by demanding money with menaces from them on 25 November.
Garda Shane O'Brien said McCabe made no reply to his four charges. Judge Hughes noted that the prosecution was objecting to bail. McCabe's solicitor, Michael Hennessy, said his client would seek bail at the next scheduled hearing. Legal aid was granted, and the judge agreed to request medical treatment for McCabe while in custody. He did not address the court.
Garda Charles McPartland told the judge that Dolan, who is unemployed, also made no reply when charged. His solicitor said there was no bail application at this stage, and legal aid was granted.
Brannigan and McCabe are due to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday; Dolan is scheduled to appear there on Tuesday. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions had not yet been received.
Detectives arrested the three men on Tuesday and detained them at Clondalkin and Ronanstown Garda stations for questioning under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. They were charged on Friday evening and held pending the Saturday hearing.
Searches were carried out at a number of properties in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot areas as part of the investigation. A family liaison officer has been appointed to keep Campion and her family informed of developments.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for information and are asking anyone with relevant footage, including dash-cam recordings, to make it available to the investigation team.
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)