Courts / Cavan / Report
Serial arsonist jailed for killing uncle in revenge blaze
Summary
A man has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years for manslaughter following the death of his uncle in a house fire at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan in August 2018. Daniel Murray (40) pleaded guilty to manslaughter and arson intending to endanger life, having initially faced a murder charge. At the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of twelve years, suspended eighteen months of the final term. The court heard Murray set fire to sheets with a lighter in an act of revenge against his uncle Patrick Oliver Murray, who died from smoke inhalation. The judge noted Murray's prior history of arson convictions, his indifference to his uncle's welfare following the blaze, and a pattern of setting fires to neighbouring properties. In mitigation, the court considered Murray's guilty plea, expressed remorse, and engagement with addiction services. The sentence was backdated to August 2021 when Murray entered custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial arsonist jailed for killing uncle in revenge blaze. Charges or matters: the murder of Patrick Oliver Murray on August 2, 2018, at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan after telling gardai the house "went up like a matchbox" when he set fire to some sheets with a lighter. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 2, 2018 Incident
- August 3, 2021 Incident
- January 17 Incident
- 2022-01-25 Publication
Why: " Liam Murray also revealed the family can no longer drive past the house where they once stayed because of the painful memories the property now holds. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Patrick Oliver Murray on August 2, 2018, at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan after telling gardai the house "went up like a matchbox" when he set fire to some sheets with a lighter (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Passing sentence, the judge said Murray held a degree of animus against his uncle from time to time but he had no intention to kill him. "The situation the uncle faced was appalling, he was left in a house where the fire started," he added. Murray was sentenced to nine years in prison with the final 18 months suspended for a period of 18 months.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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