Judge asks Gardai to ‘expedite’ case of man charged in connection with mother’s death

May 3, 2022

A Judge has asked Gardai to ask the Director of Public Prosecutions to act quickly in the case of a man being held in connection with a fire which resulted in the death of his mother.

German national Guenter Lohse, 61, appeared at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal after charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

It follows the death of his mother in a fire at Coolvoy, Doochary, Donegal on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Mr Lohse was due to appear in court last week but could not appear by videolink as he was isolating due to Covid.

On that date his solicitor, Mr Tom MacSharry, asked for the case to be adjourned until today and requested a German interpreter.

However, Judge Seamus O’Reilly was told the case could not be progressed as there was no interpreter in court.

Judge O’Reilly asked if Mr Lohse had received medical attention and was told he has seen the prison doctor at Castlerea Prison and also a psychiatrist.

The Judge recommended that the accused remain in suicide watch in the prison.

Mr Lohse broke down during the videolink which was brought to the attention of the court by Mr MacSharry.

Judge O’Reilly asked if the Director of Public Prosecutions had made a decision about the future of the case.

He was told by Garda Sergeant Jim Collins that they were trying to expedite matters as best as they can.

Judge O’Reilly replied that if ever there was a case for matters to be expedited then this was it.

He asked him to impress upon his colleagues the need for this.

He adjourned the case until May 23rd.

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