€200k teddy arson, couple sent for October trial

A COUPLE who allegedly burned down a family in Castledermot in June with a petrol soaked teddy bear, and then stole a car after crashing their getaway, were both sent this week (4 September) for Circuit Court trial.

Zoe Carthy (36), Cluain Bui, Quinagh, Co Carlow; and Robbie Brennan (35) of Ebbington House, New Gardens, Athy Road, Carlow both appeared in Naas District Court to be formally handed their respective Books of Evidence.

The pair had first appeared at a Special Sitting on 14 June following their arrests in relation to the arson of a home at Abbey View, Main Street, Castledermot on 12 June.

Both are also charged with taking a car without the owner’s consent at Gorteenlacken, Castledermot on the same day.

At their next appearance on 19 June, Judge Desmond Zaidan asked: “What happened here?” “A €200,000 arson – the burning of a house. This house was gutted,” explained Sergeant Dave Hanrahan.

“Mr Brennan and a co-accused threw petrol into a house soaked in a teddy bear,” explained the sergeant.

“”The female co-accused borrowed a car from a friend, went to the house where the owner could see them, he got his family out and chased them,” said the sergeant.

“The defendant then crashed, and they stole another one to get away. I remember this now!” said the judge.

When Carthy appeared on 19 June her solicitor Joe Coonan said: “I spoke with her this morning, she says she didn’t do it”.

“But she allegedly poured the petrol [on the bear] that someone else lit,” said the judge.

This week, both were sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Naas Circuit Court which begin on 7 October.

Because of the seriousness of the charges, both their solicitors were granted legal aid to instruct both a junior and senior counsel prior to trial.

Because Carthy was at liberty on a High Court bail, her father then signed a surety in line with those conditions.