Lisnaskea Main Street
A GRANDMOTHER from Lisnaskea who has been accused of trying to set a filling station on fire threatened to “blow this place up” using a lighter and cigarette, a court has heard.
46-year-old Caroline Irwin, of no fixed address but believed to be from the Lisnaskea area, was seen holding a petrol pump while attempting to get a flame on her lighter, prosecutors alleged.
It was claimed in the High Court that Irwin warned witnesses to get their children away from the scene in Lisnaskea.
She is accused of attempted arson endangering life, disorderly behaviour and attempted criminal damage.
It was alleged that Irwin went to the filling station on Main Street on December 1 where witnesses claimed she was seen trying to sight a fuel pump alight.
A solicitor for the Public Prosecution Service said that Irwin had been drinking at the incident while some children were present. The prosector added: “ Witnesses also state that she shouted, ‘Get your children away, I’m blowing this place up’.”
Adjourning her application for bail, Mr Justice Weir said the situation was currently too dangerous to consider releasing her.
Three lighters were later recovered from the accused.
According to the defence, however, CCTV footage will exonerate Irwin.
Mr Justice Weir said that he did not want to keep Irwin in custody but described the defendant as being in a “dangerous situation”.
He added: “Minor excessive behaviour is one thing, but going around a petrol filling station with a naked flame is quite another.”
The judge adjourned the hearing for a psychiatric report and proposals on possible hostel accommodation to be prepared.
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