Ballina man given bail on arson charge

Ballina man given bail on arson charge despite garda objections


A Ballina man who is to plead guilty to the arson of a neighbour’s house has been granted bail, despite garda objections.
Joseph Lawrence (35) of 6, Tyrawley Terrace, Ballina has indicated he will plead guilty to the charge of arson of the house of Gerry Moore who lives nearby at Lord Edward Street, Ballina.
However Detective Sergeant Gerry Lee objected to bail on the basis he believes Lawrence will strike again.
Detective Sergeant Lee said his belief is Lawrence will commit another arson attack which could be a fatal fire. He told the court that two people have said Lawrence carried out another arson but were ‘afraid’ to give evidence. Defending solicitor John Gordon said that comment was ‘way over the line’.
Detective Sergeant Lee told the court that he charged Lawrence with the arson, which occurred on May 12, on Tuesday last, May 14. Upon being charged Lawrence said the following: “I’ll plead guilty. I’ve thought about it all last night and all day today. I’m sorry for doing it.”
Detective Sergeant Lee said Lawrence was suspected of involvement in another arson recently but added that it was unlikely there would be any other charges other than the single count of arson before the court. Detective Sergeant Lee said there was a history between the accused and Gerry Moore, whose house was burned. He said an altercation between them had ended up in court.
Judge Mary Devins was told that Gerry Moore was in court and was willing to give evidence but Judge Devins said she didn’t think it was suitable to hear from him for a bail hearing.
Joseph Lawrence told the court that there was ‘no way’ he would reoffend before the next court hearing and that while he has 43 previous convictions, he has never failed to attend a court hearing. John Gordon said his client is not a flight risk and had no history of failing to appear. He said that under the Bail Act, the considerations for revoking bail in this case had not been met.
Judge Mary Devins said that she believed ‘totally’ the bona fides of Sergeant Lee’s evidence but said the criteria for bail refusal had not been met. She remanded Lawrence on bail to Ballina District Court on June 25 under the following conditions - that he obey a curfew from 9pm to 8am; that he stay out of Lord Edward Street and have no contact with the residents of 35, Lord Edward Street; and that he sign on daily at Ballina Garda Station.