A man has appeared in court accused of causing criminal damage to mummified remains at St Michan’s Church of Ireland in Dublin.

Christian Topiter, of Grand Canal House, Rathmines Road, Dublin, was arrested on the grounds of the church yesterday after a fire broke out in one of its crypts.

The fire caused irreparable damage to mummified remains belonging to Archdeacon David Pierpoint.

Bail

In Dublin District Court today, Gardaí objected to Mr Topiter's bail application.

Still, the judge decided to set bail at €10,000 subject to strict conditions including that he stays away from St Michan’s.

He was also ordered not to have any contact with potential witnesses.

The 38-year-old was remanded in custody, but he can take up bail once €2,000 in cash is lodged with the court.

His case will be mentioned again next week.

Main image: Exterior of St Michan's Church, in Church Street, Dublin, Ireland, famous for its vaults which contain mummified remains. Image: AlexMastro / Alamy Stock Photo