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"A grudge going back 20 years": arsonist set fire to detective's house over historic murder charge
Summary
Richard Bourke, aged 36, was sentenced to eight years in prison for arson after setting fire to the front door of Detective Garda John Griffin's house in Finglas. The incident occurred on 26 February 2019, when Bourke first lit a small flame and then threw petrol, creating a fireball that forced the Griffins to call 999. The attack caused smoke damage to the hall and required the front door to be replaced. Bourke pleaded guilty to two counts of arson at two Finglas locations and to stealing petrol from a Circle K station. He also admitted setting fire to a derelict building near the airport. The court noted premeditation, the occupied nature of the house, and Bourke's history of bipolar disorder and drug abuse. The sentence was 11 years with the final three years suspended, resulting in an eight‑year custodial term. The Griffins suffered an "indelible scar" and increased security measures following the attack.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "A grudge going back 20 years": arsonist set fire to detective's house over historic murder charge. Charges or matters: two counts of arson at two locations in Finglas on February 26, 2019; stealing petrol worth €30 from Circle K petrol station on Glasnevin Avenue on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 26, 2019 Incident
- 2019-11-22 Publication
Why: " "…This was an attack on me because of my occupation. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of arson at two locations in Finglas on February 26, 2019; stealing petrol worth €30 from Circle K petrol station on Glasnevin Avenue on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She set a headline sentence of 11 years and suspended the final three years, taking into account mitigating factors. Bourke apologised to the Griffin family, who were in court for the sentence hearing. "I can't take it back.
Places mentioned
- Detective Garda John Griffin's house
- Det Gda Griffin's house
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Sycamore Park
- Dublin
- Glasnevin Avenue
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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