Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for alcoholic who set fire to motorbike on busy street

Summary

James Kennedy, 34, of Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, was sentenced to four and a half years' imprisonment for arson on Westland Row on 12 September 2015. He pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Kennedy's 40 prior convictions include criminal damage, theft, public order and violent behaviour in a Garda station. The incident involved setting a motorbike on fire, which caused a passing woman and her child to flee for safety. The judge, Melanie Greally, described the act as "senseless but highly dangerous" and noted that Kennedy had alcohol problems and did not recall the event. The final two years of the sentence were suspended on strict conditions, including treatment and liaison with the Probation Service for 18 months after release. The court accepted a probation report indicating that the Probation Service could assist Kennedy in the future. The motorbike, valued at €3,000, was completely destroyed by the blaze.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for alcoholic who set fire to motorbike on busy street. Charges or matters: arson on Westland Row, on September 12, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-02-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Public Order Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report