‘Excrement alchemist’ sent to jail for attacks

A MAN once jailed for arson after setting fire to his flat while trying to turn his own excrement into gold is back behind bars.

Paul Moran, from Carnmore Rise, Cornagrade, Enniskillen, was sentenced to four months in prison when he pleaded guilty at Fermanagh Magistrates Court to a series of attacks on his neighbours and their property.

The 33-year-old made headlines around the world in October 2011 when he was jailed for three months after pleading guilty at Omagh Crown Court to arson and endangering the lives of others.

It emerged that he had been trying to turn his excrement into gold when he set fire to the block of flats where he was living.

Moran's bizarre experiment made headlines around the world, earning him a mention on the BBC's satirical quiz programme, Have I Got New For You. An American rapper even recorded a song about his exploits and posted it on YouTube.

Moran appeared again at Fermanagh Court by video link from Maghaberry Prison and pleaded guilty to a series of attacks on his neighbours and their property.

Moran was found guilty of a series of attacks, including slashing the tyres of two cars and throwing a brick at a man.

The defence solicitor confirmed that Moran has “health difficulties” but did co-operate fully with the police. He pointed out that Moran had been in custody since April 7, and had served his fourmonth sentence on remand.