A 46-year-old man who allegedly doused his wife with a flammable liquid and set fire to his home was swinging a samurai sword when gardaí arrived at the scene, it was alleged in court yesterday.
Raymond Buckley, Kenyan Avenue, Kileely, Limerick, is facing a number of charges including threatening to kill his wife, possession of a weapon, namely a samurai sword, and hindering a garda in the course of his duties.
The offences are alleged to have taken place at the defendant's home in Kileely on the north side of Limerick city shortly before 7pm on St Patrick's Day.
Outlining the allegations against Mr Buckley at Limerick District Court yesterday, Sgt Patrick O'Donovan said the accused poured a liquid accelerant over his wife before setting fire to the sitting room of the family home.
The court heard that the house was extensively damaged in the blaze, and the defendant's wife had undergone treatment at the Mid Western Regional Hospital.
It was further alleged by Sgt O'Donovan that Mr Buckley was flailing a samurai sword claiming he was "protecting his property", when gardaí arrived at the scene.
Judge Tom O'Donnell remanded the defendant in custody until March 22nd to appear again before Limerick District Court.