Sailortown Flat Arson Accused Refused Bail at Belfast Crown Court

A 37-year-old Belfast woman accused of a reckless act of arson at her sister's apartment in Sailortown has been refused bail at Belfast Crown Court.

Grainne O'Halloran, whose address was given as Clonavogie Gardens in Belfast, appeared at the court via videolink from Hydebank. She faces a charge of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, following an incident on Pilot Street in Sailortown on February 26, 2024. O'Halloran strenuously denies the allegation.

Objecting to her release, a Crown barrister told Judge Patrick Lynch KC that there were strong concerns regarding the risk of further offences, pointing to alleged incidents occurring as recently as July 17. The court heard that O'Halloran has a history of breaching bail conditions and currently lacks a suitable release address, as housing association Radius is in the process of terminating her tenancy at Clonavogie Gardens.

When questioned by Judge Lynch about the circumstances surrounding the arson and the available evidence, the prosecution indicated that O'Halloran was observed on CCTV entering and exiting the premises. Her defence barrister argued that there are no direct witnesses or forensic evidence linking her client to the fire, noting that the prosecution's case appeared to rest solely on CCTV footage.

Describing O'Halloran as a vulnerable individual struggling with addiction, the defence explained that previous bail breaches coincided with relapses. The barrister told the court that O'Halloran intended to seek professional help for her addiction if granted a final opportunity on bail with strict conditions attached.

Although Judge Lynch remarked that he was not impressed with the assembly of the prosecution file and noted that the defence had put forward every possible argument, he ultimately refused the application. The judge stated he had no confidence that O'Halloran would abide by bail conditions or refrain from further offending.

With bail formally refused, O'Halloran remains in custody ahead of her trial, which is scheduled to take place this September.