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15 Sept 2025
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15 Sept 2025
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Ryan McCrabbe is brought to court last year by gardai. Photo: North West Newspix
A man is to stand trial for a number of alleged arson attacks on religious buildings in east Donegal.
Ryan McCrabbe, 28, appeared before Letterkenny District Court where a book of evidence in the case was served upon him.
McCrabbe, of McCann's Corner, St Johnston, faces three charges. The charges follow a series of arson attacks on buildings on the same night in August last year.
He is charged that on August 29, 2024 at the Royal Orange Hall, Main Street, St Johnston, he did commit arson in that he did without lawful excuse damage by fire property, to wit, 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 charge is contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991. He is also charged that on the same date at St Baithins Church, St Johnston did commit arson in that he did, without lawful excuse, damage by fire property, to wit, St Baithins Church, St Johnston, belonging to another intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.
This charge is also contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991. McCrabbe is also charged that, on the same date, at St Johnston Masonic Hall, Church Lane, St Johnston, did commit arson in that he did, without lawful excuse, damage by fire property, to wit, 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. This was also contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.
Garda Gillian Page told the court that McCrabbe made no reply when the book was served on him at Letterkenny District Court today. McCrabbe, dressed in a sweatshirt and shorts, did not speak during the short hearing.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented for the accused to go forward for trial to the net sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on October 28. Judge Brendan O'Reilly issued the alibi warning to the accused.
Solicitor for McCrabbe, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said there had been consent to bail and that his client suffered from medical issues and received weekly treatment.
He also requested both junior and senior counsel in the case which was granted by Judge O'Reilly.
Free legal aid was also granted.
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