A Portadown man has pleaded guilty to an arson attack on the Halifax branch in the town earlier this year.
Patrick Brennan, from Ballyoran Park, also admitted to being in possession of a sledgehammer and petrol canister with intent to cause damage on the same date, February 6.
However, the 54-year-old – during a brief arraignment hearing at Craigavon Crown Court on Monday – denied a single charge of arson as to being reckless to whether life would be endangered.
It was reported at the time that police and fire crews were called to the Halifax branch on the High Street shortly after 8.40pm.
The ATM was damaged with a sledgehammer before liquid was poured on the front of the building and set on fire.
During today’s hearing, His Honour Patrick Lynch, surmised that there would likely be “no complications” for the trial given there are just two prosecution witnesses required.
A trial date was scheduled for September 25 and is expected to last between one and two days.
Brennan was released on continuing bail in the meantime.
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