Bail refused for Castlefin man who burned Garda patrol car

A man charged with burning a Garda patrol car outside a Donegal Garda station has been denied bail.

Gary McGinley appeared at Monday's sitting of Letterkenny District Court.

McGinley, a 35-year-old of Emmett Park in Castlefin, is charged with committing arson at Castlefin Garda Station on Saturday last, January 21. The offence is contrary to the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.

The court heard that €10,000 was caused when a white Hyundai i30 estate was burnt at the front of the Garda station.

Detective Garda Robin Doyle of Lifford Garda Station gave evidence of charging McGinley at 5.17am on Sunday. When charged, McGinley told Gardai: “I'm sorry.”

McGinley is currently on bail on another matter, which is due before the court in April.

“We have concerns,” Sergeant Collins said, objecting to bail. “The car was eight feet and eight inches from the front door. There was a strong possibility that a lot more damage would have been caused.

“An attack on a Garda car is an attack on the State. But for the grace of God, the whole station could have been set alight, if it weren't for the fortunate position that an off-duty Garda was able to access an extinguisher and bring it under control.”

Sergeant Collins said the incident was captured on CCTV, showing McGinley pouring petrol on the car.

A subsequent search of McGinley's home found clothing, identified as the same clothing on the footage.

During McGinley's detention, Sergeant Collins said he made 'full and frank' admissions.

Solicitor for McGinley, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client has a 'number of health issues' and said it could take 'some time' for directions to arrive from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sergeant Collins said the investigation was 'quite condensed' and 'shouldn't be too lengthy'.

After considering the matter over lunch, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said she was refusing bail due to the nature and seriousness of the charge and the sentence likely to be imposed. Arson carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Judge Cunningham also took into consideration the nature of and strength of the evidence in support of charge.

McGinley was remanded in custody to appear again before Letterkenny District Court on Thursday. Judge Cunningham directed that he receive psychiatric and psychological assessments and treatments, as required.