Man charged with arson of car that caused thousands of euros worth of damage in Westmeath village

Adrian McGarry, of 4 Annally Park, Longford came before a sitting of Mullingar District Court charged with criminal damage at Hillside, Finea, Westmeath on March 15, 2021.

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The accused, who wore a grey tracksuit and hoodie, stood impassively in the body of the court as details surrounding the case were heard before Judge Bernadette Owens.

Sgt Sandra Keane said gardaí were alerted to a report of a Renault Clio which had been set on fire during the early hours of the morning.

The cost to the damage to the vehicle, it was revealed, amounted to €3,500.

CCTV footage of the incident was captured and examined, contents of which identified a male acting alone shortly before the car was found on fire.

Despite no suspect having been identified as a result of those initial inquiries, items seized at the scene later managed to establish a DNA profile which was matched to the accused.

Sgt Keane said McGarry was arrested, but made no admissions to detectives during his period of detention.

Judge Bernadette Owens accepted “jurisdiction,” meaning the case could be dealt with in the District Court.

The court was told disclosure of State evidence in relation to the case had been forwarded to McGarry’s defence team earlier this year.

Judge Owens remanded McGarry on bail to a sitting of Mullingar District Court on July 18 when a plea or date for hearing is expected to be made clear.