A woman appeared in court yesterday charged with setting fire to her own home, from which her husband and three children were rescued by gardaí last Sunday.
At Kilrush District Court yesterday, Agnes O'Shaughnessy (26), Purcell Park, Shannon, Co Clare, was charged with recklessly engaging in conduct to commit arson to her home, which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm. She was also charged with committing arson without lawful excuse contrary to the Criminal Damage Act.
Ms O'Shaughnessy collapsed in the crowded courtroom yesterday, forcing Judge Joseph Mangan briefly to adjourn proceedings before she was revived.
Earlier in court, Garda Stephen Ryan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of Ms O'Shaughnessy at Tullyvarraga, Shannon, at 9.05pm on Tuesday, and said the accused woman made no reply when cautioned.
Insp Tom Kennedy objected to bail for Ms O'Shaughnessy "due to the seriousness of the charges, that she may reoffend and the danger posed to the three children and adult".
Solicitor for the accused Aideen Pendred told Judge Mangan she had no previous convictions. The judge granted bail on condition she reside with her sister, Angela, receive an independent psychiatric assessment and have supervised access to her three children.
She was remanded on bail to appear before Shannon District Court on October 13th.
