Kildare man alleged to have burned down own house has 'nowhere to go'
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who allegedly set fire to his own home discovered the major downside of his actions this week (4 June) as he was remanded back into custody because he now had no address to which he could be bailed.
Robert Kelly (46), of No Fixed Abode, appeared in Naas District Court by videolink charged with reckless damage to property without lawful excuse.
“It is alleged he set fire to his own house (at Ottomy Avenue, Clane on 26 May),” said Sergeant Mary Meade.
“It was a semi-detached building that belongs to Kildare County Council.
“He waited until his neighbour was away but burned the whole building down.
“The doctor’s report indicates some schizophrenic episodes, and he is prescribed with anti-psychotic medication,” said the sergeant.
“Look at his attendance on 26 May, I’d say he won’t mind, where he took a mixture of benzos mixed with cannabis,” noted Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“He seems to be healthy now,” added the judge, gesturing to the big screen, and Mr Kelly’s solicitor Matt Byrne agreed.
“Benzodiazepine is to slow down my heart,” said Mr Kelly on screen.
“The moral of the story is stop taking illicit drugs,” said the judge.
“See your doctors and you will manage your mental health,” he added.
As the offence had allegedly occurred less than two weeks previously, Sgt Meade told the court that the DPP had yet to decide how to progress the prosecution.
The judge remanded Kelly back into custody for two weeks until 18 June, but noticing the bail conditions as previously laid out and the size of his bond, said: “so if he signs a bond he can walk?” “Not really,” grimaced Mr Byrne.
“Because the house he allegedly set fire to was his, he has nowhere to go,” he explained.
“We’ve been trying to find him a hostel, but because he isn’t applying himself through Kildare County Council, they have an issue with this,” he added.
