Man admits setting fire to garda patrol car outside station, causing over €10k damage

Gary McGinley admitted setting fire to the Hyundai i20 official marked patrol car in Castlefin, Co Donegal, in the early hours of January 21.

The 35-year-old appeared at Donegal Circuit Court sitting in Letterkenny Courthouse where he pleaded guilty to the single change of arson.

McGinley, of Emmett Park, Castlefin, spoke only to plead guilty during the short hearing.

A previous court sitting had heard how the car was doused in petrol being being set alight.

An off-duty garda noticed the car on fire and managed to use a fire extinguisher to stop the blaze from spreading.

The court had been told that the patrol car was parked just eight feet from the front of the garda station.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV, the court had been told.

Barrister for McGinley, Mr Peter Nolan, sought for a probation and welfare report to be prepared.

Due to the seriousness of the charge, Mr Nolan indicated that he may seek to have a second counsel assigned in the case.

Mr Nolan said he was anxious for the court to have a 'full picture' on his client.

Judge John Aylmer adjourned the matter to the May sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

Judge Aylmer directed that a probation and welfare report be prepared and asked for an updated psychiatric report.

McGinley was remanded on continuing bail.