Portglenone man on arson charge

The charge against James Brian Greer (27), of Garvaghy Grove, relates to a fire at premises at Main Street on August 4.

A female resident above the shop was helped to safety but was unhurt.

A PSNI detective constable told Ballymena Magistrates Court that an eye-witness had observed Greer running across the street towards a block of flats after an alarm had been sounded at 2.30am.

Police and fire service attended the scene of the fire, which had caused extensive damage to the property.

They spoke to Greer who matched the description given by the witness. The defendant admitted being on the street but said he had been on the opposite side and denied any involvement, the court was told.

Under cross-examination from defence solicitor Laura Davey, the detective constable said Greer’s clothing and footwear had been submitted for forensic examination and accepted that Greer had agreed to participate in an identification procedure.

Refusing bail, District Judge Bernie Kelly noted that Greer was already on court bail at the time of this alleged offence.

She said that Greer’s criminal record illustrated that he had previously shown “total disdain for court orders”.

“Portglenone is a small village where everybody knows everybody else so there is a risk to the safety of the witness,” she said.

The judge also believed that more witnesses may come forward if Greer was in custody.

She remanded the defendant in custody to appear again on September 2.