Published: April 20, 2009 09:21 am      

London man accused of trying to start grandmother on fire

The 75-year-old woman who was burned after her grandson allegedly poured lighter fluid on her bed and set it on fire has been treated and released from Saint Joseph-London.

Hazel Nolan suffered burns to her neck and face Tuesday morning. Hospital officials said Wednesday that she was released.

Daniel Nolan, 32, who is charged with attempted murder, three counts of wanton endangerment, resisting arrest and criminal mischief, pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday in Laurel District Court. Judge John Chappell set Nolan’s bond at $200,000 cash and ordered him to return to court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing to determine if the case should be presented to a Laurel County Grand Jury. Jail officials said Daniel Nolan remains in custody.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Detective Tommy Johnston said Wednesday that while Nolan has admitted starting the fire, he has still given no reason for trying to set fire to the woman, who is bed-ridden and has Alzheimer’s Disease. He said there is no evidence that drugs or alcohol were a factor.

Johnston said about 8 a.m. Tuesday, Daniel Nolan poured the lighter fluid on the blanket covering Hazel Nolan and ignited it. His mother pulled the blanket off the bed and extinguished the fire.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call and, after a struggle, took Daniel Nolan into custody.

Staff writer Dean Manning may be reached at dmanning@sentinel-echo.com.