Courts / Dublin / Report
Arsonist "out of his mind" when he caused €1.25 million in damage and left 25 people homeless
Summary
John McGovern, aged 25, pleaded guilty to arson and assault at the Station Hill apartment complex in Clongriffin, Dublin, after a tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend Grainne O'Brien. The fire, set in November, caused €1.25 million in damage, destroyed six homes, and left 25 people, including children, temporarily homeless. McGovern, who had 25 prior convictions, was heavily intoxicated and on drugs during the incident. He threatened O'Brien's ex‑partner, left the building, and later was arrested at Raheny after acting erratically. The court heard that 14 fire trucks responded and the blaze took four‑and‑a‑half hours to control. McGovern's guilty plea and the impact statements from victims were noted, and the case was adjourned for a probation report. The sentencing is scheduled for 27 October.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Arsonist "out of his mind" when he caused €1.25 million in damage and left 25 people homeless. Charges or matters: one count of arson causing damage to a number of apartments at Station Hill apartment complex at Clongriffin and to one count of assault causing harm to his partner Grainne O'Brien on November 1 last year. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 1 Incident
- October 27 Incident
- 2017-07-24 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of arson causing damage to a number of apartments at Station Hill apartment complex at Clongriffin and to one count of assault causing harm to his partner Grainne O'Brien on November 1 last year (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He will be sentenced on October 27.; Judge O'Connor adjourned the matter to get a probation report, noting it was a "very serious offence".
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Shangan Terrace
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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