A man accused of arson and destroying ancient mummies at St Michan’s Church in Dublin has been further remanded in custody.
38-year-old Christian Topiter, previously of Grand Canal House, Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6, is charged with causing criminal damage by arson at the church on June 11th.
The blaze and resultant water damage is believed to have ruined five mummified remains, including an 800-year-old artefact known as ‘The Crusader.’
Judge Mitchell noted that the State needed more time to complete the book of evidence, which needs to be served on the accused before he is sent forward for trial.
Earlier, Garda James Kenny said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that Mr Topiter be sent forward for trial on indictment before a judge and jury in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which has broader sentencing power.
The DPP also said Mr Topiter could go forward on a signed plea of guilty, should that arise.
Garda Kenny had told a bail hearing on June 12th that there was CCTV evidence and alleged the accused was arrested shortly afterwards wearing distinctive clothing.
A witness allegedly told Gardaí that there was a person “locked behind gates where this incident occurred, where he would have had to forcibly enter”.
Mr Topiter lived 200 metres away in a hostel beside Merchant Quay.
Garda Kenny said historical artefacts of this nature were priceless and irreplaceable.
The Garda maintained that the offence was at the higher end of criminal damage offences, which could carry a maximum 10-year sentence.
Main image: Split of Christian Topiter and St Michan’s. Pictures by: Facebook and Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie
Reporting by Tom Tuite.
