Full Breakdown
Two Defendants Charged Over Fatal Waterford Arson
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A 21-year-old man, Cian Stacey, and a 31-year-old woman, Jessica Dalton, appeared at a special sitting of Clonmel District Court on Saturday and were each charged with one count of criminal damage and two counts of assault causing serious harm. The charges relate to the arson attack on a home on Birch Avenue in Waterford that resulted in the deaths of Philip English, Kim English and their two sons, Callum and Jayden. Two other children who were present were taken to hospital in critical condition.
Background & Context
The fire was set on a Tuesday, and investigators quickly identified the English family as the victims. The case was transferred to Waterford Garda Station, where detectives gathered evidence linking Stacey and Dalton to the incident. Both defendants were reported to have no reply when the charges were read.
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Sergeant Michael Burke informed the court that Dalton, who resides in Waterford city, was charged at 2:45 p.m. and made no reply. Detective Sergeant Brian O’Callaghan similarly reported that Stacey, who has no fixed address, was charged at 2:44 p.m. and also gave no reply. Defence solicitor Ciarán Murphy, representing both defendants, stated that no applications for bail were being made and that Dalton consented to be remanded in custody until the next court appearance. He also applied for legal aid on Dalton’s behalf, noting she is a lone parent and unemployed. Judge Andrew Gubbins presided over the special sitting and ordered that Dalton remain in custody, while Stacey will appear by videolink at the next hearing.
Data & Statistics
- Defendants: Cian Stacey and Jessica Dalton
- Victims deceased: four (Philip English, Kim English, Callum English, Jayden English)
- Injured children: two, hospitalized in critical condition
- Charges per defendant: three (one count of criminal damage, two counts of assault causing serious harm)
The funeral for the four victims is scheduled for the following Monday.
