Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury deliberating in gas explosion trial

Date
2019-04-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury began deliberating on the case of Terence Maguire, 63, who cut a gas pipe in his home and took sleeping tablets before lighting a cigarette, causing a gas explosion that destroyed his house and damaged neighbouring buildings. Maguire pleaded not guilty to charges of recklessly creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm and to 13 counts of criminal damage. The judge instructed jurors to assess whether Maguire acted recklessly, considering his state of mind and belief about the risks. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan argued that Maguire intended only to kill himself and had no intention to cause the explosion, while the prosecution, led by Eoin Lawlor, maintained that Maguire was fully aware of the consequences and had disregarded the risk. Maguire had a 13‑year history of depression and had been treated in psychiatric hospitals from 2009 to 2014.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in gas explosion trial. 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 7 on June 1, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

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

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 7 on June 1, 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty