Dublin mummies: Church reveals extent of damage in arson attack on crypt at St Michan's

On Tuesday a fire was lit in the crypt which houses a number of mummified remains, including those of the 800-year-old ‘Crusader’.

Photographs released by the Church of Ireland show how the fire burned through the mummified remains.

A 38-year-old man has appeared in court charged in relation to the fire. Christian Topiter, with addresses at Grand Canal House, Lower Rathmines Road and O'Shea's Hostel, Merchant's Quay, was charged with criminal damage to mummified remains at St Michan’s Church.

He was remanded in custody with consent to bail, RTE reported.

Garda James Kenny said the accused man had behaved "erratically and aggressively" in custody. He said they were "not 100% satisfied" about his identity and were continuing inquiries.

However, defence solicitor John Shanley said his client, who is a Romanian national, has been engaged for four years to an Irish woman and has significant ties to the country.

He said Mr Topiter works casually as a security guard and was willing to abide by any bail conditions.

The man's fiancée told the court she could hand over her partner's national identity card as proof of identity. Judge Shalom Binchy granted bail on his own bond of €10,000, with a requirement to lodge cash of €2,000.

Mr Topiter must also stay away from St. Michan's Church and have no contact with potential witnesses, surrender all travel documents and remain sober while in public.