Arson accused '˜dragged unconscious from burning house'

Officers forced their way into Martin McGlynn’s burning house on Dublin Street in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone as he shouted for help, a judge was told.

The 32-year-old is charged with arson endangering the lives of others in the area.

McGlynn also faces further counts of threatening to kill his ex-partner and criminal damage over an attack on her home the same night.

He was granted bail but ordered to comply with a curfew and electronic monitoring.

Fiona O’Kane, prosecuting, claimed McGlynn arrived at the woman’s house after she had gone to bed on October 18 last year.

He shouted up that someone was with her before repeatedly kicking a fence, smashing two windows and damaging a gate, it was alleged.

According to Mrs O’Kane he also shouted through the letter box: “I will f****** kill you.”

PSNI officers were alerted and went to McGlynn’s home where they spotted him at a window shouting “Help me, help me”, the court heard.

“Smoke was coming from the property, police had to force their way in and crawl along the floor to a front bedroom where they located the applicant unconscious,” the prosecutor said.

“They dragged him to safety before the Fire Service arrived and extinguished the fire.”

Although no-one else was in the end terrace, Mrs O’Kane said there were fears the blaze could have spread to other properties.

McGlynn was described as having mental health issues.

Releasing him on bail, Mr Justice Treacy advised his legal team to ensure he receives any help required.