Courts / Dublin / Report

Court upholds man's conviction for killing 12-year-old by setting fire to den

Summary

Dermot Griffin, 57, of Ballyfermot, was convicted of manslaughter for setting fire to a makeshift den on 1 September 2001, which killed 12‑year‑old Stephen Hughes. The 13‑day trial concluded with a 15‑year sentence imposed by Judge Patricia Ryan on 23 June 2014. Griffin appealed the conviction, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal on all grounds. Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards, upheld the conviction, noting that the evidence, including witness testimony and video footage, supported the finding that Griffin started the fire. The appeal was rejected because the Court found no substantive errors in the trial or grounds to discharge the jury. The conviction and sentence remain in force.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Court upholds man's conviction for killing 12-year-old by setting fire to den. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• September 1st, 2001 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 23, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 2001 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-03-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report