Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury convicts man of arson manslaughter
Summary
A jury found Dean Boland, 34, guilty of unlawful killing of kitchen porter Ohari Viera, who died after the house he lived in was set on fire. Boland pleaded not guilty to unlawful killing, arson, burglary and theft at Oaklands Terrace, Terenure, Dublin, on 21 August 2018. The prosecution alleged he broke into the house, stole a rucksack and set the property ablaze. Viera re‑entered the house before emergency services arrived and later died of cardiac arrest in hospital. Witnesses described a confrontation between Viera and Boland and a fire that began in the ground‑floor bedroom. Forensic evidence indicated the fire was a deliberate act, but no DNA or fingerprints linked Boland to the scene. The trial lasted eight days, with a verdict reached after six hours and one minute. Judge Elma Sheahan set a sentencing date of 10 March 2023.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury convicts man of arson manslaughter. Charges or matters: the unlawful killing of Ohari Viera, damaging property by arson and burglary and theft at Oaklands Terrace, Terenure, Dublin, on August 21, 2018. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 21, 2018 Incident
- March 10, 2023 Incident
- 2022-12-16 Publication
Why: In his opening address, Seamus Clarke SC, prosecuting, told the jury that this was a case of "involuntary manslaughter" in that the death of Mr Viera "occurred because of the arson". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the unlawful killing of Ohari Viera, damaging property by arson and burglary and theft at Oaklands Terrace, Terenure, Dublin, on August 21, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime
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