CLONMEL — Two individuals have appeared before a special sitting of Clonmel District Court facing charges linked to a fatal arson attack in Waterford city.
Jessica Dalton, 31, of Waterford city, and Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, were each charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm. According to court evidence presented by Gardaí, neither accused made any reply when cautioned and charged.
During the proceedings, defence solicitor Ciaran Murphy secured legal aid for both defendants. Judge Andrew Gubbins remanded Dalton in custody to appear before Waterford District Court. Stacey, for whom a psychiatric assessment was also ordered, was likewise remanded in custody to appear via video-link next Tuesday.
The court appearances form part of an ongoing Garda murder investigation into the fatal house fire in the Birchwood area of Waterford. The early Tuesday morning blaze claimed the lives of Philip and Kim English, alongside their children, Callum and Jayden.