Two charged over Waterford house fire murder inquiry appear at Clonmel court

Cian Stacey (21) and Jessica Dalton (31) face charges of criminal damage and assault causing serious harm. Both remanded in custody to Waterford District Court.

Two charged in connection with fatal Birchwood house fire appear before judge

A man and a woman charged in connection with a fatal house fire in Waterford city have appeared before Judge Andrew Gubbins at a special sitting of Clonmel District Court, munster-express.ie reports.

Cian Stacey (21), of no fixed abode, and Jessica Dalton (31), with an address in Waterford city, appeared on Saturday 17 October. Each faces one count of alleged criminal damage and two counts of alleged assault causing serious harm against individuals who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Detective Sergeant Michael Bourke gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Dalton, stating that he had formally arrested and charged her on Saturday. Dalton made no reply when cautioned on each charge. Inspector Niall Daly told the court the State was seeking her remand in custody.

Barrister Ciaran Murphy, acting for Dalton, indicated she would be reserving her position on bail and sought that she be remanded in custody to appear at Waterford District Court the following Tuesday, 20 October. Mr Murphy also applied for legal aid, noting that Dalton is not in employment and is a lone parent. Judge Gubbins granted both applications.

Detective Sergeant Brian O'Callaghan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution against Stacey, having formally charged him on the same date. Stacey also made no reply when cautioned on each charge.

Also represented by Mr Murphy, Stacey sought to be remanded in custody to Waterford District Court by video link and requested placement in Cork Prison. Judge Gubbins noted, however, that the court has no jurisdiction over the allocation of a prison for a defendant.

Mr Murphy further applied for Stacey to receive a psychiatric evaluation on arrival at his place of detention, citing that his client suffers from depression. Judge Gubbins granted that application and remanded Stacey in custody to appear before Waterford District Court on Tuesday 20 October.

Both accused were remanded in custody ahead of their next court date.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)