Murder suspect charged with arson at Castlebar District Court

A CASTLEBAR man charged with the murder of a 83-year-old man appeared in court today charged with arson arising from the same incident last March.

Kevin McHale (63) of Annagh, Castlebar appeared before Castlebar District Court where he was charged with arson at Pheasant Hill, Cloonkeen, Castlebar on March 5, 2023. The charge arises following the fire at a farm house on the outskirts of Castlebar in which the body of 83-year-old John Brogan was found.

Mr Brogan of Pheasant Hill, Cloonkeen, Castlebar was found by emergency services who responded to the fire at the address and it was subsequently discovered that he had been shot dead. Mr McHale was arrested shortly after the discovery of the body and subsequently charged with Mr Brogan's murder.

At this morning's sitting of the district court, Detective Garda Declan Sweeney told Judge Vincent Deane that he arrested Mr McHale by arrangement at the Mall, Castlebar at 10.09am. He was charged with arson and made no reply following the caution before he was brought before the court.

Inspector Elaine Horan told Judge Deane that the DPP had directed trial on indictment and there was consent to bail. Mr McHale was previously granted High Court bail following the murder charge.

Judge Deane remanded Mr McHale on bail to appear before Castlebar District Court on September 20 where he will be served with a book of evidence.