Courts / Dublin / Report
'Living hell': young mum left gravely ill after arson at homeless hostel
Summary
A 22‑year‑old mother, Shauna O'Brien, remains gravely ill in intensive care after the De Paul Hostel on Little Green Street, Dublin 7, was set on fire on 26 March. She is permanently blind, unable to speak and suffers chronic nerve damage after falling unconscious while escaping the blaze. Her lungs are severely scarred from inhaling toxic smoke, requiring a ventilator, and she has undergone multiple surgeries to remove scar tissue, though the tissue keeps growing back. She is in an induced coma and her prognosis is uncertain, with discussions about a possible end‑of‑life pathway. Keith Riggs, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one count of endangerment. He was seen on CCTV entering the hostel, setting fire to a toilet, moving through rooms, and eventually leaving after calling 999. He has a history of drug addiction, schizophrenia and previous convictions. Riggs will be sentenced on 16 January, with a psychiatric report pending.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Living hell': young mum left gravely ill after arson at homeless hostel. Charges or matters: two counts of arson and one count of endangerment. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 26 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 16 Other
- 2022-12-20 Publication
Why: " Riggs also told gardaí: "I told her to run, to get out because there was a fire, I didn't tell her to run into the fucking fire. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of arson and one count of endangerment (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Riggs will be sentenced on January 16 next.; Judge Dara Hayes extended his sympathy to Ms O'Brien and her family and adjourned sentencing until next January to allow for a psychiatric report to be produced for Riggs.
Places mentioned
- Little Green Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Deanstown Avenue
- Dublin
- Mater Hospital
- himself at the Bridewell Garda Station
Topics
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