Man 'living in kitchen' of Offaly fatal firebomb attack house

A MAN who is living in the kitchen of the house in Edenderry where two people were killed in a firebomb attack has appeared before Tullamore District Court.

Christopher Holt (47), 29 Castleview Park, Edenderry is accused of having a knife in a public place at St Patrick's Road, Edenderry on April 26, 2025.

When Mr Holt came before the court Judge Andrew Cody noted that he was late and said he was present on foot of a bench warrant.

David Nugent, BL, defending, said he had bumped into his client before lunch but he could not take formal instructions from him “given his condition”.

Mr Nugent added: “He got his timings askew. He stopped on the way.”

Judge Cody responded: “He took a few stops on the way.”

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Sergeant Richard Thornton, court presenter, said he was of the view that Mr Holt was “not in a fit state”.

The judge said the accused had not appeared in court on a previous date when he was supposed to and a warrant was issued.

Mr Nugent said “everyone” knew the address Mr Holt was at and he was available there.

He was living “solely in the kitchen”. “The rest of the house is uninhabitable.”

Defence counsel said he would like the matter to be dealt with on the day but could not given the defendant's condition.

Judge Cody adjourned the prosecution to February 18 for finalisation and said the matter would be finalised in Mr Holt's absence if necessary.

House number 29 in Castleview Park, Edenderry was firebombed in December resulting in the deaths of four-year-old Tadgh Farrell and his grand aunt Mary Holt (60).

Aaron Holt (27), father of Tadgh and a resident of the same house, was jailed last month for seven years for a drugs possession offence committed at Castleview Park in 2024.

Gardai continue to investigate the firebomb attack on the house which occurred on the evening of Saturday, December 6.