A man charged with withholding information and perverting the course of justice over a fatal arson attack was arrested because he allegedly supplied a car to another individual, a court heard today.
David Harold Graham (43) from Shergrim Glen in Omagh, Co Tyrone, pleaded not guilty to both charges relating to an arson attack last week near Keady, Co Armagh.
Thomas O'Hare (33) died following the blaze at a farmhouse in Tassagh, near Keady. His girlfriend, Lisa McClatchey (21), sustained serious burns and is being treated in Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital.
An hour after the attack, four men were admitted to a hospital across the Border in Dundalk, also with burns. They were later transferred to St James's Hospital, Dublin, with 35 per cent to 55 per cent burns.
Detective Sergeant Colin Brown told Newry Magistrates' Court that Mr Graham lent a car to another individual. During questioning, Mr Graham told police that it was common practice for him to lend a car to that person.
The officer said that at this stage of the investigation, he was satisfied that Mr Graham was nowhere near the crime scene.
Mr Graham was remanded to appear in custody via video-link at Armagh Magistrates' Court on November 28th. The court was informed a bail application is being prepared for the High Court.