Courts / Cavan / Report
Serial arsonist 'more concerned about dog' than death of uncle, court hears
Summary
A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the death of his uncle in a house fire at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan in August 2018 appeared before the Central Criminal Court. Daniel Murray (40) admitted setting fire to sheets with a lighter, causing the blaze that killed Patrick Oliver Murray through smoke inhalation. The court heard Murray had 48 previous convictions, including multiple arson offences. When informed of his uncle's death, Murray reportedly enquired about the family dog rather than expressing concern about the fatality. Murray subsequently told gardai he had intended only to frighten his uncle and sought to take revenge over past grievances, stating the fire "went the wrong way". A victim impact statement described the deceased as a quiet, good-humoured man who had cared for their elderly mother. The defence submitted Murray had acted recklessly but unintentionally, with heavy alcohol consumption contributing to his actions. Justice Paul McDermott adjourned sentencing to January 25.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial arsonist 'more concerned about dog' than death of uncle, court hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Patrick Oliver Murray on August 2, 2018, at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan after telling gardai the house "went up like a matchbox" after he set fire to some sheets with a lighter. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- August 2, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 25 Adjournment
- 2022-01-17 Publication
Why: Just because there has been a murder. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Patrick Oliver Murray on August 2, 2018, at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan after telling gardai the house "went up like a matchbox" after he set fire to some sheets with a lighter (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Justice McDermott adjourned sentencing until January 25.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Animal Related Arson Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Symbiotic: how Ruth Lawrence became a double murderer
- Takeaway chef who worked up to 73 hours per week wins €154k for multiple employment rights violations
- 'Have to go to country... if anything happens to me" - message found on shooting victim's phone
- Witness says fire burning at murder accused's house day after alleged victims went missing
- Key witness tells jury he's 'terrified' of double murder accused Ruth Lawrence
- Double murder accused said shot man died for friend, witness tells trial
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.