A Northern Ireland man who is charged with setting fire to a house in Inishbofin in which three sisters died last week, was remanded in custody at Galway District Court yesterday. Mr Alan Murphy (25), of no fixed abode, has been in custody since last Friday. He is charged with the unlawful killing of Ms Eileen Coyne (82), of Middle Quarter, Inishbofin, and with setting fire to her house on July 6th last.
Objecting to a bail application, Supt Michael Curley, of Clifden Garda station, said there was a possibility of more serious charges being brought against Mr Murphy and he feared he would abscond if given bail. Supt Curley said the accused was from Northern Ireland which was outside the jurisdiction and even though he had worked for the last two years in Clifden, he did not have a permanent address there.
"He is not from this area and he is free to leave and will not turn up for this trial if given bail," the superintendent said.
Defending solicitor Mr Sean O'Carroll applied for bail, saying his client's father was in court and was willing to go bail for him.
Supt Curley again objected, saying the father of the accused was not from the jurisdiction either and has no assets within the State.
Refusing the bail application, Judge John Garavan told Mr O'Carroll he could apply for bail at a later court or in the High Court. He then remanded Mr Murphy in custody to appear before Galway District Court again on July 21st.
Medical reports on Mr Murphy were handed over to Mr O'Carroll.