Northern Ireland

Omagh man in custody on arson charge also to be prosecuted for two counts of attempted murder

AN Omagh man currently remanded in custody on a charge of arson, has learned he is also be to be prosecuted for two counts of attempted murder.

The disclosure was made during an unsuccessful compassionate bail application at Omagh Magistrates Court Sitting in Dungannon.

Matthew Darryl Christopher Taylor (27) from Brookmount Road is accused of damaging a house in Glenhull Walk, Omagh by fire on May 14, with intent to endanger the life of a female occupant.

Defence lawyers mounted an application to allow him to be released for a few hours to attend the christening of a child to whom he is to be godfather.

The prosecution pointed out the church in question was less than 600 metres from the housing development where the alleged arson incident occurred.

The defence however contended police had checked out the application request and there was no suggestion of anything untoward in the application itself.

In addition, it was contended, “Any concerns could be assuaged by the very time-limited nature of release, with no application to attend the indulgence after the ceremony. This is a genuine application where my client had been asked to be the godparent of this child some time ago and prior to his remand in custody.”

Judge King said a christening did not fall into the category of compassionate bail and he saw "no urgency" in the application. "I do not see how it crosses the very high bar required for compassionate release … given the objections on close proximity," he said.

Providing an update on the matter, the prosecution said: “A decision has now been taken to add charges of attempted murder to the arson with intent to endanger life.”

Remarking, the hearing had brought, “Two pieces of relatively bad news”, the judge remanded Taylor in continuing custody to appear again by video-link next month.