Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman pushed flaming paper through neighbour's letterbox

Summary

Gillian Philip, 36, of Mac Uilliam Green, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to damaging a neighbour's property with fire on 21 October 2015. The incident involved Philip pushing a flaming laminated piece of paper through the neighbour's letterbox, an act witnessed by two children who later helped extinguish the fire. The children, who were staying with a friend of their mother, heard a voice shouting "fire, fire" and recognised it as Philip's. They were able to quench the blaze, though the carpet in the hall was scorched. Philip initially denied involvement but admitted to the act. The case was motivated by a dispute over bins, with Philip's defence citing limited cognitive function and paranoia. She has a history of alcohol and drug abuse and five children. Judge Karen O'Connor remanded her in custody and adjourned sentencing to 31 July.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman pushed flaming paper through neighbour's letterbox. Charges or matters: damaging her neighbour's property with fire on October 21st 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 21st 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 31 Adjournment
• 2017-06-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report