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Serial arsonist confessed to fictitious murder

Summary

Peter Bradshaw, 55, of Glin Court, Coolock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to arson at his apartment on 24 January 2018. The fire spread to neighbouring flats, causing €782,027 in damage and forcing residents into emergency accommodation. He was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to 11 years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended on strict conditions. After the fire, Bradshaw went to Clontarf Garda Station and confessed to a fictitious murder, claiming he had assaulted a man, set a mattress on fire, and attempted to fake his own death. He later admitted he had not murdered anyone. Bradshaw has 40 prior convictions, including arson, burglary and theft, and had a five‑year sentence for arson in 2009. The judge noted his propensity for setting fires and the danger he posed to society.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Serial arsonist confessed to fictitious murder. Charges or matters: arson at that address on January 24, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 24, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-07-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report