A young Donegal man accused of arson attacks on church properties in St Johnston is to be referred for psychiatric and medical treatment at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Ryan McCrabbe appeared at Letterkenny District Court following previous court sittings.
The 27-year-old is charged with three attempts to damage properties by fire, each of them allegedly committed on August 28th last.
McCrabbe, from McCann’s Corner in St Johnston, is currently being held on remand in Castlerea Prison.
Judge Eiteain Cunningham told the defendant that it was very important that he take up the treatment once a bed became available in the Psychiatric unit at Letterkenny Hospital.
She remanded him in custody with consent to bail on his own bond of €200 with the condition attached that he did not commit any offence and to be of good behaviour. He was also ordered to abstain from alcohol and drugs.
McCrabbe, who was supported in court by family and friends, has been undergoing dialysis treatment at the hospital.
Defending solicitor, Patsy Gallagher told the court that a bed in the psychiatric unit was not yet available.
At a special sitting of the court on August 28th, Mr Gallagher had postponed an application for bail.
The accused is charged with committing arson in that he did without lawful excuse damage by fire the property of the
Royal Orange Hall, Main Street, St. Johnston on August 29th last.
He is further charged with committing arson at St. Baithin’s Church, St. Johnston belonging to another intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.
He is also charged with committing arson at the Masonic Hall, Church Lane, St. Johnston in that he did without lawful excuse damage by fire property, to wit, the Royal Orange Hall, Main Street, St. Johnston belonging to another intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.
The court was told that the Prison Service would transfer the defendant to the psychiatric unit once a bed became available and the Gardai would arrange for his transfer to Letterkenny District Court to where the case has been adjourned to October 7th.