Two charged with arson over Waterford fire that killed family of four

Cian Stacey (21) and Jessica Dalton (31) appeared at Clonmel District Court, each facing criminal damage and assault charges. A joint funeral for the family is set for Monday.

Pair remanded in custody after Waterford family killed in house fire

A man and a woman have been charged in connection with a fatal house fire in Waterford that killed four members of the same family, Irish Independent reports.

Cian Stacey (21), of no fixed abode, and Jessica Dalton (31), with an address in Waterford city, appeared before a special sitting of Clonmel District Court on Saturday evening. Each faced one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm. Judge Andrew Gubbins presided.

Detective Sergeant Michael Burke told the court that Dalton was charged with the three offences at 2.45pm at Waterford Garda Station and made no reply when charged. She appeared in court wearing a black sports top and leggings. Her barrister, Ciaran Murphy, consented to her being remanded in custody until Tuesday at Waterford District Court and applied for legal aid, noting she was a lone parent not in employment.

Detective Sergeant Brian O'Callaghan told the court that Stacey was charged at 2.44pm at Waterford Garda Station and also made no reply. He wore a grey tracksuit top. Murphy made no bail application, and Stacey was remanded to appear by videolink on Tuesday at Waterford District Court. A legal aid application was also made on his behalf.

Philip and Kim English and their two children, Jayden and Callum, died following the fire at the family home in Waterford on Tuesday. A joint funeral for the four is due to take place in Waterford on Monday.

Gardaí have carried out seven searches as part of the investigation and seized a number of items for examination. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said An Garda Síochána had committed "every resource" to the case.

Source: Irish Independent