A MAN ACCUSED of arson and destroying “priceless” ancient mummies following a fire at St Michan’s Church in Dublin has signed a guilty plea and awaits sentencing.

Christian Topiter, 39, who has been in custody on remand for almost five months, appeared before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court today.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that he be sent forward for trial on indictment with broader sentencing power.

The DPP also said he could go forward on a signed plea of guilty, should that arise.

Today, Topiter, represented by Aisling Ginger-Quinn BL, confirmed that he had signed a guilty plea. The document was furnished to the court and to prosecution solicitor, Fergal Mawe.

Judge Mitchell then granted an order sending the accused forward for sentencing to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed on 13 December.

Topiter, previously of Grand Canal House, Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin 6, was charged with causing criminal damage by arson on 11 June at St Michan’s Church to mummified remains, property of Church of Ireland Archdeacon of Dublin & Vicar of St Michan’s Church David Pierpoint.

Earlier, Garda James Kenny alleged that a blaze broke out at around 4pm on 11th June, and water damage was believed to have ruined five mummified remains, including an 800-year-old artefact known as ‘The Crusader.’ The other mummies date back 400 years.

Garda Kenny had told a bail hearing on 12 June that there was CCTV evidence and alleged the accused was arrested shortly afterwards wearing distinctive clothing.

A witness allegedly told gardai that there was a person “locked behind gates where this incident occurred, where he would have had to forcibly enter”.

Topiter lived 200 metres away in a hostel beside Merchant Quay.

Garda Kenny said historical artefacts of this nature were priceless and irreplaceable.

The garda maintained that the offence was at the higher end of criminal damage offences, which could carry a maximum 10-year sentence.

In response to bail objections, the defence had said Topiter had “clear ties” to Ireland and was in a four-and-a-half-year relationship with his fiancee.

His solicitor argued that there was no evidence before the court that his client would interfere with witnesses.

That court hearing was also told the accused had been in a stable relationship, worked as a security guard, received social welfare payments, and participated in a charity soup run.

The defence submitted that Topiter had an immigration identity card issued by gardai, was presumed innocent, and would obey conditions.

The bail hearing was also told he had no history of serious offences.