Bail hearing: Destiny Ezeena, who resides at Apt 6, Ree House, Coosan Road, Glanmore Heights, Dun an Rí, Athlone, appeared before the court on 11 charges including alleged arson at a property in Mac Eoin Park, Longford, on June 15 this year.

A 20 year old man, residing at an address in Athlone, has appeared before the court on 11 charges, one of which includes an allegation of arson at a property in Mac Eoin Park, Longford on June 15 last.

Destiny Ezenna of Apt 6, Ree House, Coosan Road, Glanmore Heights, Dun an Ri, Athlone, Westmeath was charged and brought before Judge Ciarán Liddy in Longford District Court recently for a Section 2 bail hearing.

The accused, Destiny Ezeena, at Longford District Court | Longford Leader

placeholder image — The accused, Destiny Ezeena, at Longford District Court | Longford Leader

Sgt Mark Mahon told the court the State would be opposing bail.

The court next heard an outline of the charges against Ezenna, the first of which concerned June 14 last where, at 39 Newbrook Grove, Mullingar, Westmeath, Ezenna is alleged to have committed arson of a car.

A second charge arising from the same date and address alleges Ezenna committed arson of the front porch, front door and frame, front windows and roofing including guttering, soffit and fascia.

The following day, June 15, Ezenna is accused of committing arson in a Longford housing estate.

The charge alleges that he “damaged by fire” the property, 97 McKeon Park, specifically “a wheelie bin, front door, front window, entrance hall was burned and the remainder of house smoke damaged.”

On the same date, June 15, Ezenna is charged with having damaged property at 6 Hillside, Finea, Westmeath, namely the mirror, windows and panels of a car. He is also charged with damaging the wing mirrors and windows of a second car at the same address.

A third charge which also concerned an incident at 6 Hillside, Finea, Westmeath, alleges Ezenna damaged the property, namely the front windows and front door of the house, front door panelling and window pane.

At the address 25 Gallen View, Ferbane, Offaly, also on June 15, Ezenna is alleged to have damaged a car. The accused faces two further charges for June 15 in which he’s alleged to have caused damage to the neighbouring property, 24 Gallen View, Ferbane, Offaly, as well as damage to a car at the same address.

Two final charges concern an incident at 314 Dalton Park in Mullingar, Westmeath, six days later, June 22. Ezenna is accused of damaging property namely the engine block, electrical wiring and front side panelling of a car.

A separate charge alleges he damaged property at the same address namely the front porch and facade of the house including front door, door frame surround, and external plasterwork. The estimated value of the damage is €6,838.

After the Gardaí had outlined the grounds for their bail objections, Judge Liddy addressed the accused.

He said, “Owing to industrial action, I understand there is no solicitor here to represent you but an Garda Síochána have outlined why you should not be granted bail.”

“They want me to remand you in custody which means you will go to prison pending the trial of the alleged offences. Would you like to tell me why you should receive bail today?”

Ezenna replied that if he were granted bail, he would not commit any offences.

Judge Liddy said the strong body of evidence against Ezenna led him to the conclusion that the Gardaí had established grounds for their bail objections.

He added that he was satisfied their objections met the requirements of Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997 and the O'Callaghan Rules.

Bail was therefore declined and Ezenna was remanded in custody to appear before Mullingar District Court via video link.