Courts / Dublin / Report

15-year sentence for man who set fire to den, killing boy (12), is upheld

Summary

Dermot Griffin, 58, of Ballyfermot, was convicted of manslaughter after setting fire to a makeshift den on Rossfield Avenue, Tallaght, on 1 September 2001, killing 12‑year‑old Stephen Hughes. The 13‑day trial concluded with a 15‑year prison sentence imposed by Judge Patricia Ryan on 23 June 2014. Griffin appealed the conviction and sentence, but the Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, dismissed the appeal in March. The court upheld the 15‑year term, citing the extreme recklessness of the offence and the high harm caused by the death of a child. Evidence included footage of an unidentified man, later identified as Griffin, approaching the den at about 5 a.m. and the den catching fire immediately. Witnesses, including former partner Tracy Deegan and others, testified that Griffin had left the house twice that night and intended to burn the hut.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 15-year sentence for man who set fire to den, killing boy (12), is upheld. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• September 1st, 2001 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 23, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 2001 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-06-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report