Courts / Dublin / Report

Drunk man had 'no memory' of setting fire to doorway

Summary

In October 2019, 31‑year‑old Ian Morton, after being asked to leave a pub in Harold's Cross for drunkenness, drove to a nearby garage, bought €5 of petrol, and set fire to the doorway of a house on Harold's Cross Road. Witnesses at the pub saw the fire and extinguished it with a fire extinguisher, but the building, which housed several apartments, was evacuated and suffered smoke damage. Morton, who had burns on his arms, hands and face, was arrested the next day at his aunt's house. He pleaded guilty to one count of arson. The court noted he had two prior drink‑driving convictions, had no memory of the incident, and was deeply remorseful. He has stopped drinking, is seeking rehabilitation, and has €2,000 available as a token of remorse. The matter was adjourned for finalisation on 7 December.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drunk man had 'no memory' of setting fire to doorway. Charges or matters: one count of committing arson at Harold's Cross Road, Dublin on October 6, 2019. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• October 6, 2019 Other
• December 7 Adjournment
• 2020-10-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report