A man charged with withholding information and perverting the course of justice over a fatal arson attack was arrested because he allegedly supplied a car to another individual, a court heard today.
David Harold Graham (43) from Shergrim Glen in Omagh, Co Tyrone, pleaded not guilty to both charges relating to an arson attack last week near Keady in Co Armagh.
Thomas O'Hare (33) died following the blaze, which happened at a farmhouse in Tassagh, near Keady. His girlfriend, 21-year-old Lisa McClatchey, also sustained serious burns and is being treated in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital.
An hour after the attack, four men were admitted to hospital in Dundalk, also with burns, but were later transferred to St James's Hospital in Dublin with 35-55 per cent burns.
Det Sgt Colin Brown told Newry Magistrates' Court that Mr Graham lent a car to another individual. During questioning, he told police that it was common practice for him to lend a car to that person.
The court was also told that Mr Graham, who has been in custody since his arrest on Friday, had been co-operative during questioning. Det Sgt Brown said he was satisfied Graham was nowhere near the crime scene.
He was remanded in custody.