Man accused of threat to set gran aged 70 on fire

A MAN allegedly punched his grandmother and threatened to set her on fire, the High Court has heard.

Wayne Singleton is accused of attacking the 70-year-old woman last week after she picked up a lit cigarette he dropped in her north Belfast home.

Prosecutors described her as a vulnerable lady who suffers from arthritis and agoraphobia.

Singleton (26), of Dewey Street in the city, was granted bail on a charge of carrying out the common assault on November 24.

Police were told he arrived at his grandmother’s home drunk, lit a cigarette and then dropped it on the kitchen table.

When she picked it up he became verbally abusive towards her, it was claimed.

Crown lawyer David McClean told the court: “She said he punched her with a closed fist to the back of the head, causing soreness. He then allegedly began to flick a cigarette lighter at his grandmother, stating that he would set her on fire.”

During interviews Singleton denied punching his grandmother, trying to set her on fire or making any such comments.

Opposing bail, Mr McClean said the alleged victim has a number of physical complaints.

David Heraghty, defending, said Singleton and his grandmother normally have a “good and supportive” relationship.

“There’s no doubt he was extremely intoxicated; what he says is as a result of his grandmother remonstrating with him he pushed her,” counsel said.

Imposing strict bail conditions, the judge banned Singleton from going near the alleged victim’s home.