Courts / Dublin / Report
Four-year sentence for man who set fire to apartment "for the buzz"
Summary
Joseph Lawrence, 21, of Gardiner's Hill, Balbriggan, was sentenced to four years in prison for arson at McNeil Hall apartment complex on 9 April 2012. He admitted setting the fire deliberately while drinking alcohol and taking cocaine. Lawrence and friends had entered a vacant apartment by breaking a patio door, and after leaving, he and another man set chairs on fire for "the buzz." The blaze spread to the balcony, causing €115,000 of damage, accelerated by turpentine. He has 35 prior convictions. The court noted he was the only one to admit his role and that he is no criminal mastermind. Judge Martin Nolan backdated the sentence to 12 September 2013, the date of his first custody, and suspended the final 16 months. The sentence reflects the seriousness of setting fire in a built‑up area. Joseph Lawrence pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Four-year sentence for man who set fire to apartment "for the buzz". Charges or matters: committing arson at McNeil Hall apartment complex also in Balbriggan on April 9, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 9, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 12, 2013 Incident
- 2014-12-16 Publication
Why: This doesn't lessen the offence just because the insurance company paid out," said Judge Nolan. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: committing arson at McNeil Hall apartment complex also in Balbriggan on April 9, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He backdated the sentence to September 12, 2013 when Lawrence first went into custody.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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