'I will burn them in bed' - boy bailed over 'threat'

The boy, who is an alleged drug debt collector, is charged with making a threat to damage the property in Drogheda, putting the occupants in fear.

Sergeant Ray Brady told Drogheda District Court the accused was alleged to have stated to the occupants: "I didn't do it properly last time but I'll do it right tonight.

"I'll burn them in their beds. I'll be back tonight."

The teen, who cannot be identified as he is a juvenile, is charged with making a threat to damage a house in Rathmullen Park, Drogheda, on December 5, leaving the occupants in fear that it would be carried out.

During an application for bail, Judge John Coughlan said he was "loath to give him bail" but said he might consider it if the teen could reside outside of Drogheda.

"I don't trust him not to do what he said and I don't trust him not to burn down the house and burn them alive in their beds," he said.

"I have a duty. I have to judge whether to trust him to let him out."

Garda Aoife Woods also told the court that she believed the youth could be a threat to the house.

During the hearing, defence solicitor Dermot Monahan provided the court with an address in Navan, Co Meath, but gardai were not happy with it.

Curfew

However, after the teen's mother said she would report the youth to gardai if he breached his bail conditions and was agreeable for him to reside in another house and be confined to that particular estate, Judge Coughlan granted bail.

The youth is also to obey a curfew from 5pm to 8am.

He is also required to sign on twice a day at Drogheda Garda Station.

He was remanded on bail on his own bond of €10 and an independent surety of €100 to appear before the court again in January for his bail conditions to be monitored and for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.