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Man who set fire to makeshift den, killing 12-year-old boy, appeals conviction

Summary

In 2014, Dermot Griffin, aged 57, was found guilty of manslaughter after a 13‑day trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the 2001 fire that killed 12‑year‑old Stephen Hughes. The jury, composed of six men and six women, returned a verdict of guilty and Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced Griffin to 15 years' imprisonment. Griffin has now appealed his conviction to the Court of Appeal. His counsel, Bernard Condon SC, argued that the prosecution's case was a "three‑legged affair", citing inconsistent statements from three witnesses who admitted drug use and had altered their accounts over time. Condon also highlighted a partner's testimony that Griffin had spoken of burning the den, which was not corroborated by police interviews. The prosecution, represented by Mary Rose Gearty SC, countered that additional evidence, including testimony from Jason Lambe, supported the original verdict. Judge George Birmingham has reserved judgment on the appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who set fire to makeshift den, killing 12-year-old boy, appeals conviction. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• May 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 1st, 2001 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2006 and 2012 Other
• 2017-10-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report