Edenderry firebombing: Tadgh Farrell's father refused bail to attend funeral

Tom Tuite

The father of four-year-old Tadgh Farrell, who was killed with his grand aunt in the firebombing of a house in Edenderry, Co 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 on Thursday afternoon.

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.

Tadhg’s removal was scheduled for Thursday evening, and the 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. She called Detective Garda Joseph Bradley, who testified that Holt was “front and centre” of the drug trade in and around Edenderry, and there were fears for Holt and other people’s safety if he were released.

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 June 20th, Holt received a nine-month jail term at Tullamore District Court on June 20 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His Circuit Court bail was revoked, with his consent, on July 1, following concerns from the prosecution about the bail terms.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.

Detective Garda Bradley said the heroin seizure resulted from CCTV surveillance of a second male and Holt’s movement of a plastic bag, which gardaí recovered. It was found to contain 219 grammes of heroin.

The following day, Holt sent a message to his co-accused, asking him to “bring the gear,” and CCTV footage showed both men searching for the missing bag.

Search warrants yielded a “tick list” at Holt’s home stating that he had “€67,000 due, owing to him”. The second male also had a tick list at his address belonging to Holt, which he was minding, stating that €99,000 was owed to him.

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.

He is front and centre, the principal supplier of illegal drugs in Edenderry and the surrounding area

Asked by Ms Mahon, on where he placed Holt on Edenderry’s drug “pecking order”, Detective Garda Bradley replied, “Yes, he is front and centre, the principal supplier of illegal drugs in Edenderry and the surrounding area”.

He added that he had “grave concerns” that Holt would commit further offences if released and that he was a flight risk.

Detective Bradley also voiced apprehension about the appropriateness of the person proposed to act as an independent surety, the mother of a person he was in jail with, who had not attended the hearing to confirm Holt was welcome at her address.

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.

Death notices from RIP.ie were furnished to the court confirming details of Tadgh Farrell’s removal and funeral. Arrangements for the deceased Mary Holt have yet to be announced, 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.

Gardaí have issued public appeals for information, releasing footage of the moment the house in Castleview Park was attacked. The video shows two people approaching the house at around 7.45 pm on Saturday night. A suspected petrol bomb is thrown into the front downstairs window before it bursts into flames, and the two individuals flee the scene.

In a statement, gardaí confirmed Tadgh had been visiting his grandmother and his grand-aunt, Ms Holt, at the time of the attack.

His remains and Ms Holt's were discovered in the front room. Post-mortem examinations have been completed on Tadgh and Ms Holt. The results are not being released for operational reasons.

Tadgh's grandmother continues to receive hospital treatment for serious burn injuries.