Alleged Athy arson related to missing dog court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
TWO men allegedly involved in an arson attack in an Athy halting site in October - apparently over a missing dog – were both remanded back into custody until the new year to allow the state continue build its case against them.
Luke Benson (29) with an address at The Glebe, Esker, Lucan; and Phillip Bowes (31), L Block, Oliver Bond House, Dublin 8 both appeared in Naas District Court this week (18 December) from custody where they had been held since their arrests following the incidents on 13-14 October.
Following an undisclosed dispute, it is alleged both men went to a premises on Emily Square in Athy and made threats to two individuals about what they might do to the property of a named family.
The next day at approximately 9.45pm it is alleged the two men carried threats and set fire to a Transit van in the Ardrew Halting site, fortunately with no injuries reported.
Judge Desmond Zaidan noted that it is alleged the arson was to do about a dog when Mr Benson’s case was called.
“It’s alleged he brought 15 people from Clondalkin to Athy to the halting site!” he continued.
“What was the dog?” he asked.
“That would be Bobo, a French Bulldog,” said Sergeant Dave Hanrahan with a very professional straight face.
“Essentially, that would be it,” said defending barrister Mark Gibbons, as his client was remanded back into custody until 7 January.
When his co-defendant Bowes appeared, Mr Gibbon’s colleague Donncha Craddock asked: “Could the court impress some urgency on the case”, as his client was now looking at a third month on remand.
Sending Mr Bowes back to the same date as Mr Benson, the judge reminded him: “if between now and 7 January you get High Court bail, it is your responsibility to come to court on that date.”
