Courts / Dublin / Report

Gas explosion accused told gardai he was "not in rational state of mind"

Date
2019-04-03

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Terence Maguire, 63, pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a 2014 gas explosion that destroyed four buildings. He admitted cutting a gas pipe in his home, taking sleeping tablets, and lighting a cigarette, which caused the blast. Maguire claimed he was not in a rational state of mind, citing 13 years of depression and multiple psychiatric hospital stays from 2009 to 2014. He described extreme suicidal thoughts on the day of the explosion and said he had no awareness of the danger of lighting a cigarette in a gas-filled room. He acknowledged that, in hindsight, his actions were reckless but asserted that his urgent suicidal intent overrode any consideration of recklessness. The case remains pending before Judge Elma Sheahan.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gas explosion accused told gardai he was "not in rational state of mind". Charges or matters: intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another at Sullivan Street, Dublin on June 1, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 1, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2009 to 2014 Other
2019-04-03 Publication

Why: " Dt Gda O'Sullivan asked the defendant if it was a case that he had changed his mind and gone outside for a smoke "because you were fully aware of what would happen if you lit up in the room full of gas? CNI source report

Case subjects

Terence Maguire

Defendant

Charges: intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another at Sullivan Street, Dublin on June 1, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty