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Man jailed for seven years for setting apartment complex on fire as part of family feud, causing 400k in damage
Summary
Patrick Maughan, aged 29, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for setting fire to an apartment complex in Clondalkin, Dublin, as part of a family feud. The blaze, which started outside an occupied flat on 7 July 2013, caused nearly €400,000 in damage and forced 31 residents, including children, to evacuate. No serious injuries were reported, though smoke inhalation occurred. The fire damaged 20 apartments, requiring repairs and leaving residents in alternative accommodation for eight months. Maughan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a ten‑year term with the final three years suspended, and ordered three years of probation supervision. Garda Aisling McGowan presented CCTV evidence of Maughan purchasing petrol and entering the complex before the fire. Maughan later admitted he started the fire as part of a family feud, claiming he was "out of it" and had been drinking and taking prescription drugs.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man jailed for seven years for setting apartment complex on fire as part of family feud, causing 400k in damage. Charges or matters: arson at Block B, Thornfield Square, Clondalkin on July 7, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 7, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-05-15 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: arson at Block B, Thornfield Square, Clondalkin on July 7, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Patricia Ryan noted that maximum term for arson is life imprisonment before imposing a ten year term with the final three suspended.
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