DERRY man Gerard Given (27) has been released from custody after charges against him in relation to the arson attack at Lenamore Stables were dropped.

The stables belonging to Geraldine and Kenneth Graham at Muff, Co Donegal, were badly damaged and two horses died following an arson attack on November 4th, 2018. Letterkenny Court heard that ‘several hundred thousand euro’ worth of damage was done to the property and a horse lorry was destroyed.

According to Donegal Daily, Gerard Given, of Circular Road in Derry, was charged with making threats to Geraldine Graham in October that he would damage her property.

He was being held at Castlerea Prison, but the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has directed that all charges against him are to be withdrawn. Given appeared at Letterkenny District Court via videolink yesterday (Monday).

After hearing the verdict, Given said: “Thank you very much,” and could be heard saying “yes!” as he rose from his seat.

Julie McCartney (31), of Ashmore House in Derry, is charged with arson, theft and trespassing. She appeared briefly via videolink from Castlerea Prison and will be before Buncrana District Court on Thursday, January 10th.

Arson attack at Lenamore Stables