Courts / Dublin / Report
Arsonist threw petrol bombs into pizza store, tried to stab female pedestrian
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, William Cassidy, 59, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for arson at Apache Pizza and three and a half years for assault causing harm, the last two years suspended. Cassidy had thrown two petrol bombs into the pizzeria on 9 July, set his jacket on fire, and then attempted to stab a female pedestrian on Drumcondra Road. He told Gardaí he sought "suicide by cop" and that the petrol bombs were intended for self‑harm. The court noted he had previously complained about noise from the shop, had a history of suicidal ideation and had stopped seeing his psychiatrist. Cassidy pleaded guilty to arson, possession of petrol bombs, assault, and possession of a knife. The judge described him as a dangerous man suffering mental health difficulties and said he was unlikely to reoffend with proper treatment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Arsonist threw petrol bombs into pizza store, tried to stab female pedestrian. Charges or matters: arson at Apache Pizza, Drumcondra Road Lower in Dublin, on July 9 last, and to possessing two petrol bombs and causing an explosion on the same occasion; possessing a knife and producing a knife and to possessing a petrol bomb at his home the following day. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 9 Incident
- 2024-01-25 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: arson at Apache Pizza, Drumcondra Road Lower in Dublin, on July 9 last, and to possessing two petrol bombs and causing an explosion on the same occasion; possessing a knife and producing a knife and to possessing a petrol bomb at his home the following day (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Cassidy was sentenced to seven years in prison, with the final two suspended, after a hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today. The judge sentenced Cassidy to seven years for arson and to three and a half years for assault causing harm, to run concurrently, with the last two years suspended "to aid his recovery".
Places mentioned
- Whitworth Road
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Drumcondra Road
- Drumcondra Road
- Cassidy's house
Topics
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