Courts / Cavan / Report
Serial arsonist who killed uncle has jail term increased
Summary
A serial arsonist whose fire claimed his uncle's life has had his prison sentence increased by the Court of Appeal. Daniel Murray, aged 40, of no fixed abode but residing in County Cavan, was originally sentenced to seven-and-a-half years at the Central Criminal Court in January 2022 after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Patrick Oliver Murray at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, on 2 August 2018. The State successfully argued the sentence was unduly lenient. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy determined that Murray's culpability was very significant and re-sentenced him to nine-and-a-half years in custody. The court noted Murray's previous arson convictions and the vulnerability of his intoxicated uncle, who was asleep when the fire began. While acknowledging Murray's guilty plea and demonstrated remorse in custody, the judge emphasised the retributive and condemning nature of the offence, which resulted in loss of life.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Serial arsonist who killed uncle has jail term increased. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of Patrick Oliver Murray at his home in Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, on August 2, 2018. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 2, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-12-09 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: the manslaughter of Patrick Oliver Murray at his home in Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, on August 2, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Daniel Murray (40), of no fixed abode but who lived in Co Cavan, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years at the Central Criminal Court in January of this year. He was similarly sentenced after he admitted to arson intending to endanger the life of another at the same location and date with both sentences to run concurrently.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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