GUILTY OF WHEELIE BIN FIRES

A 34-YEAR-OLD Wexford town man has pleaded guilty to setting fire to a number of domestic and commercial wheelie bins in the town.

Mark Clancy, of 44 Bernadette Place, Wexford town, came before Judge Sean O’Donnabhain at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court.

He pleaded guilty to setting fire to domestic wheelie bins at Trinity Street, Wexford, on May 26, 2019; on June 16 at 13 Lambert Place, Wexford; 15 Lambert Place, Wexford; 152 The Faythe, Wexford; between August 23/24, 2019, at 162 The Faythe, Wexford. All wheelie bins were valued at €37.50.

He also pleaded guilty to setting fire to two industrial wheelie bins, valued at €248, at the Sky & The Ground pub and damaging property to the value of €800.

A guilty plea was also entered in relation to setting fire to wheelie bins, value €112-50, and damage to property to value of €2422, at 50 High Street, Wexford.

The defendant also pleaded guilty to damage to a fence, value €50, property of Fergus Flanagan Architects, Crescent Quay, Wexford, on June 16, 2019, and setting fire to two wheelie bins value €75 on same occasion.

Defence Solicitor, Caroline Latham, B.L, asked the court for the preparation of Probation and Welfare report. she also asked that the defendant be remanded on continuing bail.

Judge O’Donnabhain said he was concerned about the sequence of fires and if the defendant was fit to be granted bail. He remanded him in custody until that afternoon.

When the case later resumed, Ms Latham said she had spoke with gardai. They had no objection to bail, she said.

Judge O’Donabhain said a Probation and Welfare report would be required.

Ms Latham said he is on medicine for anxiety and depression.

Judge O’Donabhain said he would grant bail. He remanded the defendant on bail to May 14 next to allow time for the preparation of a Probation and Welfare report