TWO MEN have appeared in court in connection with a break-in and arson incident which caused an estimated €300,000 plus worth of damage to a Catholic church in Co Waterford on New Year’s Day.
The two were arrested on January 2nd for questioning about the break-in and fire which caused extensive damage to the sacristy of St Laurence’s Church at Ballinroad outside Dungarvan.
The two men were brought before a special sitting of Dungarvan District Court yesterday where they were charged in connection with the break-in and fire which destroyed the sacristy.
Stephen Foley (47), Ring Cross, Dungarvan and no fixed abode and Kevin Nolan (29), Childers Estate, Dungarvan, were both charged with two offences.
Mr Foley and Mr Nolan were both charged with burglary and with criminal damage at the church on January 1st.
Insp Paul Heffernan told Judge Terence Finn that gardaí were preparing a file on the matter for the DPP and that further charges may be brought in relation to the incident.
Gardaí sought a remand in custody in relation to Mr Foley and they were consenting to bail in relation to Mr Nolan once substantial conditions were attached.
Judge Finn remanded Mr Foley in custody and remanded Mr Nolan in custody with consent to bail on his own bond of €1,000 and an independent surety of €6,000 with one third to be lodged in cash.
Both men, who were granted free legal aid, were remanded by Judge Finn to appear again at a special sitting of Dungarvan District Court on January 10th.