A Derry man has been charged with making threats to the owner of a Co Donegal equestrian centre – two weeks before the premises was destroyed in an arson attack.
Gerard Given appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with a number of offences.
It follows the arson attack at Lenamore Stables in Muff on November 4th last week during which “several hundred thousand euros” of damage was caused.
Two horses, a pedigree showjumping horse worth more than €100,000, were killed in the blaze as well as damage being caused to the stables and a horse transporter destroyed.
A number of fire tenders from Derry and Donegal managed to put out the blaze.
A woman in her 20s, who works at the stables, was hurt and was treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
Those who arrived on the scene managed to save five other horses from the blaze.
Given, of Circular Road in Derry, was today charged with making threats to the owner of the stables, Ms Geraldine Graham on October 15th last that he would damage her property.
The court was told by solicitor Donough Cleary that Given, aged 27, had been in custody and that bail was not being sought yet.
He was remanded in custody until November 19th.
An accomplice Ms Julie McCartney, a 31 year old mother-of-three from Ashmore House in Derry, also appeared in court.
She is also charged with theft, trespassing and arson at the stables.
Garda Inspector Barry Doyle told the court there could be further charges against Ms McCartney.
He said Gardai are awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
She was remanded in custody to appear by videolink on November 26th.
