A male individual faces charges of attempted murder following an incident where a mother of two was attacked with an accelerant and set ablaze. Identified as Paul Brannigan, aged 34 and residing on Lealand Drive in Clondalkin, he is accused of attempting to murder Alexis Campion and causing her harm. The victim, aged 44, sustained severe burns to her face and body during the assault at her residence in Oak Downs, Clondalkin, Dublin, on November 25. She endured an extended period in a coma and is currently receiving medical care in a hospital.
Brannigan, along with two other defendants, stood before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court on a Saturday morning as reported by Dublin Live. Garda Danielle O’Sullivan testified that Brannigan did not respond when charged and was subsequently remanded in custody due to the serious nature of the attempted murder charges, which necessitate a High Court bail application.
During the court appearance, Brannigan, dressed in a black T-shirt, grey trousers, and sliders, remained silent and did not enter a plea. His legal representative, Carol Slattery, confirmed his unemployment status and eligibility for legal aid, which was approved.
The co-accused, Nathan Dolan, 18, of Monastery Gate Avenue, and Keith McCabe, 41, of Thornfield Square, both residents of Clondalkin, faced charges related to threatening Ms. Campion and another individual at the property, as well as extortion by demanding money with threats on the same date.
Garda Shane O’Brien mentioned that McCabe also chose not to respond to his charges. Although objections to his bail were raised, McCabe’s solicitor, Michael Hennessy, indicated that a bail application would be made at the next hearing. Legal aid was granted, and the judge agreed to arrange medical treatment for McCabe while in custody. McCabe, attired in a blue jacket and grey clothing, did not speak during the proceedings.
Dolan, who is unemployed, similarly remained silent when charged, as confirmed by Garda Charles McPartland. His legal counsel mentioned that no bail application had been submitted yet. Dolan, wearing a dark hooded coat and grey trousers, was granted legal aid.
Brannigan and McCabe are scheduled to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday, while Dolan is set to attend the same court on Tuesday. The trio was arrested on Tuesday and questioned at Clondalkin and Ronanstown garda stations under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 before being charged on Friday and detained pending the court session.
Several properties in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot regions were searched in connection with the case. A family liaison officer has been assigned to provide updates to Ms. Campion and her family regarding the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information or relevant footage, including dashcam recordings, to come forward to assist in the inquiry.
