Bail refused for Derry man charged with arson in which three dogs died

A man charged in connection with an incident in which three dogs died in a fire has been refused bail at a renewed application at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Conor Lishman (36) of Eastway Gardens in Derry appeared charged with the three charges of criminal damage to the dogs which died in a fire on June 16.

He was also charged with arson of a house at Meadowview Crescent in Derry on the same date.

Lishman was further charged assault on three police officers and entering a house in Osborne Street as a trespasser again on the same date.

At today's bail application a police officer told the court that police had approved an address on the outskirts of the city but opposed bail on the grounds of risk of re-offending and interference with witnesses.

He told the court that the defendant had 108 previous convictions including three for escaping from lawful custody so there was a chance he would not turn up for trial.

The officer also said that the accused was 'fully aware' of the witnesses in the case were and could interfere with them.

A defence barrister said he accepted the concerns of the police but believed with the new address Lishman was a suitable candidate for bail.

District Judge Barney McElholm said that there was a prima faciecase to answer and the proposed address was still simply too close.

He refused bail and remanded Lishman in custody until September 12.