A man allegedly threatened to set fire to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment the night before gardaí rescued three people from a burning building at the weekend, a court heard.
Vladimirs Li (29), of Leinster Road, Rathmines, appeared at Dublin District Court where he was charged with criminal damage by fire.
The Latvian’s ex-girlfriend, Sintia Teika (24), who suffered minor burns during the blaze on the South Circular Road in Dublin city at about 10.20pm on Sunday night, broke down in court as she revealed she feared for her safety.
Objecting to bail, Ms Teika, who was treated at St James's hospital after the incident, told Judge Victor Blake she had known the accused only a few months.
“He wants to kill me. He burn me,” she claimed as she showed her bandaged hands.
Members of the Garda emergency response unit passing the scene of the fire used a ladder to rescue her three neighbours.
Garda Colleen Doherty alleged the suspect sent his ex-girlfriend several abusive text messages in the days before the incident, including one which threatened to set fire to her apartment.
The garda told the court Mr Li, a father of one, was recorded on CCTV buying petrol at a garage in Rathmines two hours before the alleged arson attack.
Garda Doherty said Mr Li, who works as a kitchen porter, made no reply when charged at Kevin Street Garda station this morning.
Objecting to bail, the garda said she feared he would interfere with witnesses, including Ms Teika.
The judge refused bail and remanded Mr Li, who cried after his ex-girlfriend gave evidence, in custody to reappear at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.
There was no objection to legal aid.
PA