A man and woman arrested in connection with a fatal house fire in Waterford city this week have appeared in court.
Cian Stacey (21) of no fixed abode, Jessica Dalton (31) with an address in Waterford city appeared before Judge Andrew Gubbins at a special sitting of Clonmel District Court this afternoon. (17 October) They have both been charged with alleged criminal damage, and two counts each of alleged assault causing serious harm, against individuals who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Detective Sergeant Michael Bourke gave evidence of arrest, charge, caution. Det Sgt Bourke stated that he formally arrested and charged Jessica Dalton on Saturday 17 October.
Dalton made no reply when cautioned on each charge.
Inspector Niall Daly informed the court that the state was seeking for Dalton to be remanded in custody.
Acting for the defendant, barrister Ciaran Murphy BL stated that Dalton would be reserving her position on bail. The barrister sought for Dalton to be remanded in custody to be produced at Waterford District Court next Tuesday 20 October.
Mr Murphy made an application for legal aid as Dalton is not working and is a lone parent.
Judge Gubbins granted this application and remanded Dalton to appear before Waterford District Court next Tuesday.
Detective Sergeant Brian O’Callaghan gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution against Cian Stacey. Det Sgt O’Callaghan arrested and formally charged Stacey on Saturday 17 October.
Stacey also made no reply to each charge when cautioned.
Also acting on behalf of Stacey, Mr Murphy stated that his client was seeking to be remanded in custody to Waterford District Court next Tuesday by video link.
Mr Murphy stated that Stacey was seeking to be remanded to Cork Prison. However, Judge Gubbins stated that the court has no jurisdiction over what prison a defendant is sent to.
The barrister added that Stacey suffers from depression and made an application for him to be psychiatrically evaluated on arrival at his place of detention.
Judge Gubbins granted this application and remanded the accused in custody to appear before Waterford District Court next Tuesday 20 October.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power, The Munster Express
