A MAN set fire to local authority flats in Cork because he wanted to be rehoused, a court was told, but things went drastically wrong.
Alan Twohig, who had an address at Comeragh Park, The Glen, Cork, pleaded guilty to arson at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
When questioned about the fire in the flats from which 15 people were evacuated and taken to hospital, Twohig claimed he started it accidentally by dropping a cigarette in the hallway. He said he had been drinking cider and smoking cannabis before the fire.
In a second statement he said his partner, Sharon, was complaining about mice, which they found running around the baby's room and inside the cot blankets. She also mentioned the fires which had been occurring in the area.
He wanted to get out of The Glen and he went downstairs and lit a piece of paper which he left sticking out of a fridge. He saw the fridge catch fire and as he was going upstairs there was a loud crack and he saw "a belch of black smoke" coming up the stairs. He ran shouting to warn the residents.
A Garda witness said lives could have been lost in the fire, which caused almost £9,000 damage, but for the fact that the fire brigade was nearby fighting a gorse fire and heard the screams.
Garda Gerry Coakley said Twohig had previous convictions including one for setting fire to cars and buses which caused £80,000 damage.
Judge Patrick Moran was told by Mr Maurice Lynch from Christian Ear Helpline of the benefits a long term stay in a residential centre in Wales could have for the defendant. The case was adjourned until next Thursday to see if Twohig is suitable to attend there.