Homeless man admits two charges of arson at Derry Magistrate's Court

A homeless man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrate's Court today after he admitted two charges of arson.

Michael McKinney (73) of no fixed abode admitted two counts of arson on bins in Chamberlain Street on May 17.

The court heard that a fire was found in a wheelie bin at a terraced property in Chamberlain Street. 

A subsequent investigation revealed that the fire had a 'deliberate ignition.'

A workman had spotted the flames and alerted patrons in a local bar and had seen a man outside the property. 

Another fire in the same area had damaged a drain pipe of a property. 

The defendant was observed on CCTV and followed by operators until he was arrested. 

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said a report had been requested in the case to assess the dangerousness of McKinney. 

She said that the defendant was homeless at the time and had pleaded guilty at an early opportunity. 

The defendant was given a four month sentence suspended for two years.