A West Donegal pensioner, Anthony O’Donnell, facing charges related to a major gorse fire that caused over €300,000 in damage to homes and property, failed to appear in Letterkenny Circuit Court.
The 79-year-old, whose address is listed as Glen Lodge, Drumnacart Mountain, Burtonport, is accused of four counts of arson related to a gorse fire in the area at Easter 2019.
Barrister Gareth McGrory, representing O’Donnell, informed Judge Roderick Maguire that his client was absent.
Mr. McGrory stated that a medical report from O’Donnell’s psychiatrist was available to the court and that the accused man’s son had also been in contact with a forensic psychiatrist.
The court heard last week that O’Donnell is currently residing in the Birmingham area of England. He was absent last week as well, and his legal representatives argued that he lacked the capacity to attend.
Several individuals affected by the fire were present in court. State barrister Ms. Fiona Crawford stated that their “houses were completely destroyed” in the incident.
Ms. Crawford expressed concerns regarding O’Donnell’s reasons for not attending court and informed Judge Maguire that the State was prepared to proceed with the case.
Judge Maguire noted that the case had been on the court list twice the previous week and stated the defendant could have traveled by boat from England if flying was not feasible.
“I am more than disappointed that he is not here to answer the charges,” Judge Maguire said, adding that the accused has not visited his GP in recent months.
“I am, again, disappointed that this matter hasn’t proceeded.”
“There is a concern about his capacity now – that should’ve been addressed. That is not acceptable.”
Judge Maguire granted Mr. McGrory’s application to adjourn the matter until October, but stated, “I have made myself clear.”
Mr. McGrory assured the judge that he would convey the judge’s comments to O’Donnell and his son “so that he is in no doubt.”
Judge Maguire expressed regret that several complainants were present in court and the matter was not addressed.
O’Donnell is charged with four counts of arson, violating section 2 (1) and (4) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991, all pertaining to April 19, 2019.
He is accused of damaging, by fire, property at Drumnacart, Annagry, including the dwelling house of Ann Beggs, including its contents and an oil tank, with a combined value of €220,000.
O’Donnell is also charged with arson causing extensive damage to the rear dwelling house of Eugene Morgan at Drumnacart, Annagry, valued at €21,500.
He further faces a charge of arson causing extensive damage to the rear of the dwelling house and garage of Stefan Bullon at Rannyhaul, Kincasslagh, with a combined value of €70,000.
Finally, O’Donnell is charged with arson for damaging a shed belonging to Nancy McLaughlin containing two vintage Massey Ferguson tractors at Drumnacart, Annagary.
West Donegal pensioner charged in connection with €300,000 gorse fire was last modified: July 16th, 2025 by
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