A case of a man on welfare accused of starting fires in a city centre house in the hope of getting better accommodation was refused jurisdiction at Dublin District Court yesterday.
Mr Fran Tobin (35) was charged yesterday with five counts of arson at a three-storey building in Upper Abbey Street, Dublin, between May 16th and 25th. Det Garda Con Houlihan said the offences consisted of small fires lit on the landings and stairs. Most were lit during the day but others were started at 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
The court was told the DPP had consented to summary disposal but Judge Gerard Haughton said anyone who starting fires at 4 a.m. was putting lives at risk and he ordered the case to be heard in the Circuit Court.