Two appear before court over fire at Drogheda IPAS centre

Two men have appeared before court charged with arson offences in connection with a fire at an IPAS centre in Drogheda last week.

They were arrested by gardaí investigating the fire which happened in the Co Louth town on Halloween night.

Both men appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court and have been remanded in custody.

Josh Devlin, 24, with an address at Dun Eimear in Bettystown, was charged with committing arson at the property on George's Street in Drogheda on 31 October.

Jonathan Judge, 22, with an address at Irish Street in Ardee, was charged with arson with intent to endanger life at the same location on George's Street on 31 October.

Solicitors for both men made bail applications to the court.

During a contested bail hearing, Sergeant Laura Blanche told the court there were no conditions which would satisfy gardaí.

The sergeant also told the court it was likely that further charges would be preferred against the two accused.

After hearing garda evidence from Detective Garda Gary O'Donohoe and Detective Garda Mick Dixon, Judge Nicola Andrews refused bail for both men.

She remanded Mr Devlin and Mr Judge in custody to appear again before Drogheda District Court via videolink on 10 November.

Judge Andrews also directed that Mr Judge receive a medical assessment on his arrival to prison following a request from his solicitor.