Man charged after mother dies in Donegal house fire

A Donegal resident has appeared in court, charged with arson causing a fire in which his mother died.

Guenter Lohse (61)of Coolvoy, Doochary, County Donegal appeared in Sligo District Court on Friday morning, charged with committing arson with intent to endanger life at a property at Coolvoy Doochary on April 12th.

His mother, aged in her 80s, died in the incident.

Garda Ciara Gibbons gave evidence of arresting and charging the defendant at Ballyshannon Garda station at 10.59 pm on April 14th.

He made no comment to the charge.

Defence solicitor Tom MacSharry said there would be no application for bail.

Mr MacSharry said the defendant had been getting on-going treatment and had a psychiatric evaluation and a doctor had visited the defendant a number of times while he was in custody.

Mr MacSharry applied for his client to get all appropriate medical and psychiatric treatment while in prison. Mr MacSharry said it was a very tragic case.

Inspector David Durkin applied for the case to be put back to Falcarragh District Court sitting in Letterkenny via video on April 20th.

Judge Sandra Murphy adjourned the case to that date.