A Belfast woman facing an arson charge related to a fire at her sister's flat has been denied bail by a Crown Court judge.

Grainne O'Halloran, aged 37, is accused of arson being reckless whether life would be endangered. The charge stems from an incident on Pilot Street in the Sailortown area on 26 February 2024. She denies the allegation.

During a bail hearing at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Patrick Lynch refused her release, stating he had no confidence she would not commit further offences or comply with bail conditions. The judge also expressed dissatisfaction with the prosecution's file, noting a lack of substantial evidence at that stage.

The Crown barrister objected to bail, citing concerns about reoffending given O'Halloran's previous history, including alleged offending after the arson incident and as recently as 17 July. The prosecution also highlighted issues with a proposed bail address, as O'Halloran's tenancy at Clonavogie Gardens in Belfast is being ended by the housing association Radius.

Defence counsel said O'Halloran was a vulnerable woman with addiction issues. Her poor bail record, the barrister argued, coincided with relapse periods. The defence stated that there were no direct witnesses or forensic evidence linking her to the arson, only CCTV showing her entering the apartment building. O'Halloran intended to seek help for her addiction if released, the court was told.

Judge Lynch acknowledged the arguments made on her behalf but concluded that bail was not appropriate. O'Halloran's trial is scheduled for September. She appeared at the hearing via video link from Hydebank prison.