Further charges possible for Clare man who threatened to set hitchhiker on fire

There is the possibility of further charges against a 30-year old Ennis man who is accused of threatening a hitch-hiker that he would set him alight if he did not pay money for his lift, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court today, Sgt John Burke asked that the case against Brian Joyce be adjourned to allow for DPP directions in the case.

Sgt Burke said that there was the possibility of further charges against Mr Joyce but the main purpose of DPP directions would be deciding upon venue for the case - either to be heard in the district court or the circuit court.

Mr Joyce was appearing via video-link from Limerick prison today in court after his bail application last week was refused after Garda objections.

Solicitor for Mr Joyce, Andrew d'Aarcy told the court today: “It is a recent matter but Mr Joyce is in custody in relation to this matter only and I would be anxious that DPP directions would be obtained as soon as possible."

During the contested bail hearing last week, Garda Amy O’Connor said that when Mr Joyce made the alleged ‘light you up’ threat to John Hourihan, Mr Joyce’s pregnant partner was driving and their two young children aged 7 and 9 were back seat passengers along with two puppy dogs.

Read More: Clare man threatened to set hitchhiker on fire with plastic bottle of petrol, court hears

Garda O’Connor said Mr Hourihan was hitch-hiking to Lahinch out of Ennis at around 5.30pm on August 13th when he was picked up.

Garda O’Connor said that Mr Hourihan got into the back seat and front seat passenger, Brian Joyce “got very aggressive during the journey towards the alleged injured party and said he wanted money for giving him a lift”.

Garda O’Connor said that it will be alleged that after Mr Hourihan refused this, “Mr Joyce pulled out a Powerade bottle full of petrol and threatened Mr Hourihan that he would set him alight if he did not pay them money”.

Garda O’Connor said that Mr Hourihan managed to snatch the bottle from Brian Joyce and demanded that the car be stopped.

Garda O’Connor said that the car was stopped and the alleged injured party got out before the silver Golf drove off. The court was told that these are only allegations against Mr Joyce and Mr Joyce is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

In the case, Mr Joyce faces the single charge of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to John Hourihan between Lahinch Rd, Ennis and Monreel South, Ennistymon on the N85 on August 13th last.

Judge Alec Gabbett today remanded Mr Joyce in custody to appear before Ennis District Court on September 18th for DPP directions and Mr Joyce said ‘Thanks very much judge’ from the video-link room at Limerick prison.

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