Man charged over arson attacks on Orange Hall and Presbyterian church

A man has appeared in court charged with arson attacks on an Orange Hall and a Presbyterian church in Convoy, Co Donegal.

There were tense scenes around Letterkenny courthouse as supporters of Damian Murray and members of the local Convoy Orange Lodge waited outside.

Murray (32), of Ardmiran Park, Stranorlar, was arrested on Monday evening at his home in Ballybofey, Letterkenny District Court heard.

Garda Stephen Moyles told Judge Paul Kelly that he charged Murray just after midnight at Letterkenny Garda Station with two counts of criminal damage.

He was charged with two charges of criminal damage following attacks on Convoy Orange hall – in which it was destroyed – and the Presbyterian church in the town the early hours of last Friday.

The court heard that approximately €250,000 worth of damage was caused during the incidents.

Defence solicitor Frank Dorrian made an application for bail.

Judge Paul Kelly refused the bail application. He remanded Murray in custody to Harristown District Court this Friday.

Legal aid was granted in the case.

A second man is also appearing in court today, but has not been charged in relation to the arson attacks.