'Solitary and sad' arsonist who killed mother (88) intends to return to Germany

At the Central Criminal Court, Geunter Lohse pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of his mother Ruth Lohse by arson at their shared home in Coolvoy, Doochary, County Donegal on 12 April 2022. The 63-year-old was originally charged with murder, but the State accepted a plea to manslaughter. The court heard that Mrs Lohse, aged 88, died from inhaling fumes after three fires were lit in the house. Lohse had lived with his mother throughout his life and was distressed about family plans to return him to Germany while she remained in Donegal. Defence counsel indicated that Lohse has expressed genuine remorse and intends to return to Germany upon completion of his sentence, undertaking not to return to Ireland. He has no previous convictions. Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the matter to 11 November for sentencing, remanding the accused in custody pending that hearing.