Arson victim living in fear after attack

Arson victim living in fear after attack


The victim of an arson attack in Ballina lives in fear of another attack on her home and has difficulty sleeping at night, Castlebar Circuit Court heard last week.
Joseph Lawrence of 6 Tyrawley Terrance, Ballina, appeared before the court where evidence was heard that he set fire to the front door of the home of Loretta Mangan and her son, Gerard, on Lord Edward Street, Ballina, in the early hours of May 12, 2013.
Detective Sergeant Gerry Lee explained to the court that the incident occurred around 3.17am and caused extensive damage to the front door, which had been targeted in a similar incident two weeks previously.
Det Sgt Lee said the incident had a harrowing effect on the injured party, who was terrified it would happen again. Det Sgt Lee said the incident could have been more serious and fatal.
He said that Gerard Mangan woke up to see a red glow at the front door. He went out the back door and tried to put out the fire out with a basin of water. It was eventually put out by the fire brigade.
The owner of the property had installed CCTV the week previously and Det Sgt Lee explained that Mr Lawrence was recognised on the footage and arrested soon afterwards. Initially, gardaí were unable to interview him, as he was under the influence of alcohol.
Mr Lawrence has 46 previous convictions dating from 1997 to 2008 with alcohol playing a major role in the majority of cases, the court was told.
Det Sgt Lee said the injured party was not requesting any compensation, but asked for any compensation to be paid to the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Mr Diarmuid Connolly, BL for Mr Lawrence, asked for sentencing to be put back until October to allow his client to work with the probation service.
Judge Rory MacCabe said he would adjourn sentencing until January 20 to allow the defendant to engage with the probation service and warned him if he did not he would be back before the court. He also warned Mr Lawrence to stay away from the injured party.