The father of four-year-old Tadgh Farrell, who was killed with his grand-aunt in the firebombing of a house in Edenderry, County Offaly, has been denied compassionate bail to attend his son's funeral.
Aaron Holt, 27, who is awaiting sentence for serious drug offences, made an urgent application before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court this afternoon.
Mr Holt appeared via video-link from the Midlands Prison. His counsel, Catherine McCormack BL, said it arose from the recent tragedy at Castleview Park, on Saturday night, which claimed the life of his son and his 60-year-old aunt Mary Holt, and left his mother in a coma. She is being treated in hospital for serious burn injuries.
Tadgh’s removal is taking place tonight, and his funeral on Friday.
Father of three, Holt, from Castleview Park, Edenderry, remained silent throughout the contested bail hearing and showed no emotion when the judge ruled on his application.
State Solicitor for County Offaly, Sandra Mahon, told Judge Connolly that Holt’s application would be opposed.
Judge Connolly noted Holt was on remand awaiting sentence at Tullamore Circuit Court in January over a seizure of €32,910 worth of heroin near his home. The offence, under section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, is punishable by a possible minimum 10-year sentence.
Detective Garda Bradley also confirmed that on 20 June, Holt received a nine-month jail term at Tullamore District Court on 20 June last for other drug-dealing offences committed while he was on bail for the heroin seizure. A few weeks later, in the same court, he received a three-month consecutive sentence for driving without insurance.
His Circuit Court bail was revoked, with his consent, on 1 July, following concerns from the prosecution about the bail terms.
Judge Connolly remarked that even if bail were granted, the issue could be moot, as Holt was already serving a sentence. However, he pointed out that the prison could also grant him compassionate release from his existing period of imprisonment to attend the removal and funeral.
Judge Connolly heard that Holt had 57 prior criminal convictions, 54 of which were committed on bail, and 10 for drug offences. He also had a history of failing to appear in court, resulting in 15 bench warrants dating back to 2017.
Questioned by the judge as to whether he had anything to say about the danger to life or safety of the applicant or other person, the detective said he had, in light of recent events in Edenderry. He stated that he would be concerned for the safety of Holt and others in the town.
Holt, who did not testify, had indicated via an affidavit read by his barrister that he wished to attend his son’s funeral and not be handcuffed, and to be allowed spend some time with his grieving family. His mother remains in intensive care, the court heard.
Counsel outlined that Holt indicated he would abide by any conditions set down by the court.
Ruling on the application, Judge Connolly emphasised his deep sympathies for Holt and his situation, but said he had no hesitation in refusing his application.
Judge Connolly said Holt had an appalling record of persistent offending, and noted the evidence of the safety concerns, the tick list, and the nature and value of the drug seizure for which he was awaiting sentencing.
Tadgh's funeral will take place at 12pm in St Mary's Church, Edenderry, followed by burial in St Mary's cemetery.
Tadgh is survived by his parents, sisters and grandparents.
Ms Holt's removal will take place on Saturday and her funeral, also at St Mary's Church, is at 1pm on Sunday.
A vigil took place last night to remember both Tadgh and his grand-aunt, with one local saying there has been a "black cloud over Edenderry since Saturday".
The attack is being linked to an organised criminal gang believed to be involved in the drugs trade in the Midlands.
However, Ms Holt and Tadgh were innocent victims and it is understood the house may have been targeted in a case of drug debt intimidation.
Gardaí issued a new appeal last night and released footage of the moment the house was attacked.
Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said that those behind the attack would be held to account.
