Courts / Dublin / Report
Drunken would-be arsonist wasn't aware intended target had moved
Summary
Oliver Moore, 55, was sentenced to a four‑year suspended term for attempting to set fire to a house on 18 November 2022. He had a long‑standing grievance with the former resident, unaware that the house was now occupied by three students. Gardai found him early in the morning trying to push burning newspaper through the letterbox, claiming he intended to "burn him out." The students heard banging, saw him shouting, and fled to the garden before calling the police. Moore pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge noted his attempts were ineffectual but serious, and, citing mitigating factors, imposed the suspended sentence with conditions, warning him it was his first and last chance. He had no prior convictions and had not returned to the property since the incident.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drunken would-be arsonist wasn't aware intended target had moved. Charges or matters: attempted arson on November 18, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 18, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-01-30 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempted arson on November 18, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Taking into account a number of mitigating factors, he handed down a four-year sentence and suspended it on a number of conditions, telling Moore: "This is your first and last chance".
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request