A young man who was charged earlier this year with arson at several Cork city centre stores is due to appear in court next month to enter signed pleas in the case.

Samuel Nunes Neto, 24, of no fixed abode, first appeared before Cork District Court on February 28 last charged with five counts of causing criminal damage by fire in Cork city centre three days earlier.

He is accused of arson whereby he caused criminal damage by fire at Next on Opera Lane, Lifestyle Sports on St Patrick’s Street, Boots on Half Moon Street, Superdry on St Patrick’s Street and TK Maxx on Cornmarket Street — all on Sunday February 25.

He has been in custody on the five arson charges since.

Full Admissions

Defence solicitor Joe Cuddigan previously told Judge Mary Dorgan his client had made full admissions while in custody at the Bridewell Garda Station in Cork City and Judge Dorgan directed the accused receive all the appropriate medical assistance during his time in custody. 

A psychiatric report was also requested.

On Monday, Mr Nunes Neto appeared before Cork District Court by video link, where defence solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher told Judge John King he was standing in for Mr Cuddigan who had requested his client be produced in person at the next court hearing to facilitate the entering of signed pleas in the case.

The DPP previously directed trial on indictment in the case.

Judge King remanded Mr Nunes Neto in custody to appear in court in person on September 11.

Awaiting Plea

The accused is expected to enter his pleas in the case at the next hearing. The court will then decide how to proceed with the case.

The case has drawn significant attention in Cork and has raised concerns about the safety of businesses in the city centre. The arson attacks caused significant damage to the stores and disrupted businesses for several days.

The case is expected to be closely watched by the public and by businesses in Cork city.

The case is a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need to take steps to prevent fires from occurring. It is also a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from arson attacks, including damage to property, injuries to people, and disruption to businesses.

Continued Support for the Accused

Mr Nunes Neto’s defence solicitor has requested that his client be produced in person at the next court hearing. This suggests that the defence team will be advocating for their client to receive fair and adequate legal representation and support. This could include seeking additional assessments or consultations to ensure that the accused has the necessary understanding of the charges against him and the legal processes involved in the case.

The defence team will likely focus on building a strong defence, exploring all available legal options and ensuring that their client’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.

It is important to remember that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.