Courts / Dublin / Report

Homeless criminal set fire to acquaintance's flat

Summary

In July 2018, a homeless Dublin man, Alan Jackson, 32, set fire to an acquaintance's flat on Rathmines Avenue, causing damage exceeding €29,000. Jackson, who had no fixed abode and a history of 50 convictions, pleaded guilty to criminal damage by arson on 21 August 2017. He had previously received a four‑year suspended sentence for robbery. The victim, Patricia Martin, and her daughter were forced to leave their 17‑year home and seek emergency accommodation. Jackson threatened to burn the flat after a phone call and was found with a burning wooden stick, which he claimed was for protection. He later wrote a letter from prison expressing remorse and claiming he only wanted to "get back" at Martin. The court, hearing the victim's impact statement, remanded Jackson in custody and will finalize the sentence in December. The case highlights the severe breach of trust and the ongoing legal proceedings.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Homeless criminal set fire to acquaintance's flat. Charges or matters: criminal damage by arson at Rathmines Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin on August 21, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 21, 2017 Incident
• 2018-07-31 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report