Bail refused for man charged with arson at housing estate
A scene of devastation at Willow Park in Carlow town, following a fire there last month Photo: Michael O'Rourke Photography
A RESIDENT of a Carlow town estate fled their home in fear for their life during a large fire, while at least one person needed hospital treatment for burns, Carlow District Court has heard.
Andrei Moscalu (35) of 43 The Laurels, Tullow Road, Carlow appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy via video link from custody on 23 September, when gardaí objected to his application for bail.
He is charged under the in connection with an incident on 24 August, specifically section 2 (damaging or destroying someone else’s property without a lawful excuse, either on purpose or recklessly) and section 2.2 (damaging any property, including your own, where the person either intends to endanger someone’s life or is reckless about whether a life would be endangered).
Giving evidence, Garda Cullinane said gardaí responded to a large fire at the Willow Park estate in Carlow town. The resident of a house at The Close in Willow Park left their home in fear of their life and at least one person attended hospital for treatment caused by fire injuries.
Mr Moscalu was apprehended by gardaí on Tullow Road and brought to Carlow Garda Station, where, Garda Cullinane said, he placed himself at the scene and made full admissions to starting the fire. He had a lighter on his person, the court heard.
The defendant also admitted to starting a second fire in a field next to Cox’s Lane in another part of the town, Garda Cullinane said.
Gardaí objected to bail under section 2 of the on the grounds of the nature and seriousness of the alleged offences.
“A sentence is likely to be imposed,” noted Judge Carthy.
Solicitor Joe Farrell, for Mr Moscalu, said his client “seemed to be very co-operative”.
“His wife is outside and he has a number of children. He is welcome home to his address,” he said.
Garda Cullinane replied: “He wasn’t welcome home on a previous date. I wouldn’t be satisfied with that.” Mr Farrell added that the defendant’s brother is “involved with his care and mental health”.
Garda Cullinane told the court that the injured parties were extremely worried about the prospect of Mr Moscalu being granted bail. She also noted that the defendant had said he had a different girlfriend at the time of the alleged offence.
“His wife is outside if you want to hear from her, judge. It’s not as cut and dry as other cases,” said Mr Farrell.
The defendant’s wife, who is Romanian, was brought into court but could not be sworn in as she didn’t speak English. The court had not been alerted to this in advance and no interpreter was available. Mr Farrell said the woman’s brother was meant to attend to translate for her but was not present.
Mr Farrell then spoke to the defendant, who said he was welcome at the address where his wife and four children currently live.
Judge Carthy noted there was a separate alleged offence that occurred before the fire on the same date.
“I cannot but come to the conclusion that the state has reached a threshold,” she said, adding: “I am going to refuse bail.” Noting that directions were required from the DPP, Judge Carthy remanded Mr Moscalu in custody to appear before the court again today (Tuesday).
She asked that the inspector review the file and alert the court when DPP directions become available.
“We don’t know the level of cost of the alleged damage. I want to keep this under review,” she said.
