Man accused of Limavady arson attack returned for trial

A Limavady man has appeared before a preliminary enquiry charged in connection with an arson attack in 2023.

Appearing before Limavady Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Coleraine this morning, was 45 year-old Chris Wilson.

The accused, of Carrowclare Road, is charged with damaging by fire a shed, carport and wall of a house at Sperrin Road, Limavady, thereby endangering the life of the occupant of a neighbouring property.

Wilson is further charged with arson and being reckless as to whether the lives of the occupants of both properties would be endangered.

A further charge of perverting the course of justice - namely making menacing statements to a female when she was ringing emergency services during the ongoing arson incident - was also put to Wilson.

The alleged offences were committed on March 5 2023.

Wilson declined to give evidence or call witnesses during the short hearing.

District Judge Peter King released Wilson on his own bail of £500 and ordered him to reside at his home address and not to have any contact, either directly, indirectly or via a third party, with the witnesses in the case.

Wilson is due to return for trial at Antrim Crown Court on September 17.