It is understood officers investigating the double murder of Tadhg Farrell (4) and his grandaunt Mary Holt (60) in a terrifying firebomb attack at a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly, carried out searches of cells and landings at the Midlands Prison – and informally spoke to two prisoners in relation to the case
Tadhg Farrell and grandaunt Mary Holt
Gardai have spoken to the prisoner suspected of playing a role in ordering the firebomb attack that caused the deaths of a four-year-old child and his grandaunt.
It is understood officers investigating the double murder of Tadhg Farrell (4) and his grandaunt Mary Holt (60) in a terrifying firebomb attack at a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly, carried out searches of cells and landings at the Midlands Prison – and informally spoke to two prisoners in relation to the case.
It is understood officers were also specifically looking for the smuggled phone they suspect may have been used from behind bars to order the firebomb attack. One of the prisoners spoken to is a man known to the deceased who is suspected of assaulting another prisoner in a scrap that took place last Friday – 24 hours before the murders occurred.
That incident is suspected of possibly sparking the victim of that assault to contact a criminal associate from behind bars – setting in motion a revenge plot to firebomb the house in the Castleview Park estate on Saturday night. Now The Irish Mirror has learned that the prisoner who was assaulted refused to make a formal complaint to the Irish Prison Service after he was attacked. However the incident did see prison bosses make the decision to move the prisoner who was assaulted to a segregated cell in the maximum security prison next door – Portlaoise Prison. He was moved amid the garda investigation and co-operation with investigating officers.
It is now feared that an illegal mobile phone was used to contact someone on the outside to arrange for the revenge attack, following the prison assault. Sources say gardai carried out the searches in the hopes of finding such a device. Sources say the incident also comes amid a suspected wider drugs row involving the men and the behind-bars assault may have escalated the situation.
Gardai continue their investigations on Monday. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin)
The scene of a house fire in Edenderry, Co Offaly(Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)
Gardai are understood to have informally attempted to speak to both prisoners following the double murders on Saturday. However no prisoner has been arrested and in order to do so, gardai would need to secure a warrant to take someone out of jail and question them in a formal process.
Sources said for now the suspect in this case isn’t going anywhere – and is now isolated in a single cell while investigators continue to gather evidence. As the Irish Mirror revealed yesterday, the prisoner is not the only suspect in this high-profile case. It is suspected that a criminal known to gardai was involved – as well as at least one other man.
Gardai are also understood to be investigating a dangerous serial arsonist in relation to the case, and have not ruled out the involvement of others either. They are still in the process of trying to harvest CCTV and find a suspected getaway vehicle used in the incident.
Tragic Tadhg is understood to have been staying over at the house to watch the Late Late Toy Show with his grandaunt – and was residing there for the duration of the weekend. His granny, Pauline Holt, was also residing at the house and remains in hospital with serious injuries incurred from the fire. Little Tadhg and Mary were left trapped in a downstairs room of the house and passed away as a result of the horrific fire that quickly spread after 7.30pm on Saturday evening.
The scene of a house fire in Edenderry, Co Offaly(Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos)
A Garda carries flowers to the scene.(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin)
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said on Monday it was a “murderous attack” that was “designed to kill” those living in the house. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he confirmed one line of inquiry is that it was carried out by those involved in the drugs trade. He said if this is the case, “it just confirms that drugs are destroying societies, and people who get involved in drugs need to know that they will wreak devastation, not just on themselves, but on those close to them and families in the area.”
“This was an attack that was designed to kill the inhabitants,” he said, adding that gardaà will “relentlessly pursue the violent and dangerous criminals responsible for this murderous attack”.
On Sunday, Supt Liam Geraghty said gardaà believe the house “was attacked” by one or a number of perpetrators and the fire deliberately started. He added it was “a reckless, callous and murderous attack on a family home”.
Gardaà have opened a double murder investigation, led by a senior investigating officer at Tullamore Garda station. The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
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