Christian Topiter, a 38-year-old part-time security guard, has been charged with criminal damage. The charge follows a fire at St Michan’s Church in Dublin that led to the incidental water damage of numerous “priceless” and “irreplaceable” ancient mummies, including a treasured artefact known as The Crusader, believed to be 800-years-old, and four others dating back more than 400 years. Topiter is currently in prison awaiting bail approval and requires €4,000 deposition in court for his release.
At around 4 pm on a Tuesday, a fire broke out causing a tour guide to raise the alarm after noticing smoke emerging from the building’s vault. The Dublin Fire Brigade was able to quickly put out the fire, thereby preventing it from spreading to other parts of the edifice. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Subsequently, Gardaí arrested Mr Topiter, who had on his person various identification documents, including a Romanian travel card. Post his arrest, Topiter was detained overnight at a station in North Dublin.
In the Dublin District Court on Wednesday, Mr Topiter was charged with causing the damage that led to the loss of mummified remains, considered property of the Church of Ireland’s Archdeacon of Dublin & Vicar of St Michan’s Church, David Pierpoint. Unfortunately, his application for bail was opposed in court by Garda James Kenny, based on concerns that Topiter may commit further offences or tamper with potential witnesses.
Supporting his argument, Garda Kenny referred to CCTV footage and specific clothing worn by Topiter at the time of his arrest. Moreover, a witness testimony claiming that an individual was “locked behind gates” where the event took place was also presented. Of late, Topiter is understood to have been residing at a nearby hostel located just 200 metres away.
Despite Topiter claiming to know individuals associated with the church in his police interview, Garda Kenny explained that their inability to confirm a motive for his actions gives them significant concern. Furthermore, the seriousness of damaging historical artefacts, which are irreplaceable and precious, was also highlighted. According to Garda Kenny, such acts of criminal damage could potentially warrant up to a 10-year jail sentence.
The claim was made that Mr. Topiter exhibited hostility during his questioning and sought to destroy his declaration. Police alleged he had failed to offer identification credentials and held doubts over his identity and his connections to local jurisdiction. Officer Kenny stated that no terms would suppress his unease and requested the court to decline bail.
Providing a defence, attorney John Shanley disputed the objections to the bail, stating his defendant had definitive links to Ireland and has been with his fiancee for a period of over four years, who was present at the proceedings. He added that there was an absence of proof indicating any prospects of witness interference from his client. The attorney also highlighted that his client, who is employed as a security personnel, receives state welfare benefits, partakes in charity soup drives, and possesses an unblemished serious crime record.
Despite the arguments from the police, Judge Binchy emphasised the alleged right of the accused to bail, setting a bond of €10,000, requiring a deposit of €2,000, as well as an independent surety of €10,000 approved with an additional €2,000 deposit. Once bail has been posted, the defendant must keep his distance from St Michan’s Church, refrain from communicating with witnesses, provide his residential address to the police, and forfeit any identification or travel documents.
The defendant, who held his silence throughout the case hearing, has been granted legal aid but has yet to plead. Judge Binchy ordered that he be detained but allowed bail under the conditions she listed. The accused is to make an appearance via video call at next Tuesday’s session of the Cloverhill District Court.
Concatenated with the story, it was reported that the dry remains held within the vault may have been eroded by water necessary in quelling the fire. A Forensic unit from the Garda Technical Bureau has cordoned off the area for examination and until further communication, no public tours will be conducted.