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Arsonist jailed for 9.5 years for leaving woman in 'living hell' and causing €2.8m in damage
Summary
Keith Riggs, aged 38, set fire to the Depaul Hostel in Dublin 7 on 26 March 2022, causing €2.8 million in damage and leaving 22‑year‑old Shauna O'Brien permanently blind, unable to speak and suffering chronic nerve damage. Riggs pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one of endangerment. Judge Dara Hayes sentenced him to 11 years' imprisonment, with 18 months suspended, back‑dated to 27 March 2022. The suspended period is subject to strict conditions, including supervision by the Probation Service and engagement with community mental health services. The sentence reflects the serious injuries to O'Brien, the impact on her two children and family, and the cost to Dublin City Council of repairing the hostel and rehousing residents. Riggs' history of mental health issues and expressions of remorse were considered mitigating factors. The court noted that the fire caused four hospitalisations and significant damage to the hostel's infrastructure.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Arsonist jailed for 9.5 years for leaving woman in 'living hell' and causing €2.8m in damage. Charges or matters: two counts of arson and one count of endangerment at the hostel on Little Green Street on March 26, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 26, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 27, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-01-30 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 at the hostel on Little Green Street on March 26, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Hayes handed Riggs a total prison sentence of 11 years, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Deanstown Avenue
- Dublin
- Little Green Street
- Riggs place
- Mater Hospital
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- himself at the Bridewell Garda Station
Topics
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