Man accused of St Johnston church arson attacks to take up bail
The 27-year-old, who is charged with three attempts to damage properties by fire in St Johnston on August 26 last, is to be released on bail, but must adhere to strict conditions
A man man accused of arson attacks on church properties in St Johnston is to be released on bail - but must adhere to a number of conditions.
Ryan McCrabbe appeared at Letterkenny District Court following previous court sittings.
The 27-year-old is charged with three attempts to damage properties by fire, each of them allegedly committed on August 28th last.
McCrabbe, with an address at Cashel Park in Letterkenny, is currently being held on remand in Castlerea Prison.
He is charged with committing arson in that he did without lawful excuse damage by fire the property of the Loyal Orange Hall, Main Street, St. Johnston on August 29, 2024.
He is further charged with committing arson at St. Baithin’s Church, St. Johnston belonging to another intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.
He is also charged with committing arson at the Masonic Hall, Church Lane, St. Johnston in that he did without lawful excuse damage by fire property, to wit, the Loyal Orange Hall, Main Street, St. Johnston belonging to another intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.
The accused was referred by the court to receive psychiatric treatment at Letterkenny University Hospital with Judge Eiteain Cunningham urging McCrabbe to take up that treatment once a bed became available.
He is also undergoing dialysis treatment at the hospital, the court heard.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told Letterkenny District Court that there is now consent to bail for the accused but with a number of conditions.
These are that he reside at Cashel Park, Letterkenny, that he keep a curfew between 10pm and 7am each evening and attend all medical appointments.
Judge Ciaran Liddy adjourned the case until October 21, 2024 for directions in the case from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).