Two men have been charged in connection with an arson attack on a house in Longford town.
Martin Nevin (21), 67 Farnagh, and Michael Stokes (21), 61 Springlawn, were both charged with causing damage to a property and committing arson at 35 Padraic Colum Heights, Longford on dates between September 30th and October 1st.
A girl (11) was hospitalised following the incident with serious burns. She is said to be in a stable condition at Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
An application for bail made on behalf of Mr Nevin was rejected by Judge Conall Gibbons who instead remanded the Longford man in custody to appear again at Harristown District Court on Friday.
Det Sgt Padraic Jones gave evidence of the arrest and subsequent charging of Mr Nevin, who was wearing a matching blue hoodie and tracksuit bottoms, at Longford Garda station yesterday.
The accused made no reply to both charges. He said gardaí had received allegations of suspected witness interference since the incident last Thursday night and was concerned that Mr Nevin may "commit further offences" if granted bail.
He said at least one petrol bomb was thrown into the house, which is situated in a busy Longford town estate.
Mr Stokes was remanded in custody with consent to bail despite strong objections from gardaí.
In granting the request for bail from defence solicitor, John Quinn, Judge Gibbons attached a number of conditions, including strict curfew and residency constraints.
He must also reside at an address outside Longford, sign on at a Garda station twice daily, remain at least 10 miles outside of Longford town except for judicial requirements and to refrain from contacting any injured parties and their extended families, directly or indirectly.
In giving evidence of arresting and charging Mr Stokes, Garda Conor Egan said the accused replied: "I didn't do anything," to one of the charges and "I am getting blamed for something I didn't do," to the second charge.
The men were two of four arrested in connection with the incident under section 30 of the Offences Against the State act. The others are aged 22 and 34 and are in police custody in Roscommon.