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Drunken would-be arsonist wasn't aware intended target had moved

Date
2024-01-30
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

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:

Case subjects

Oliver Moore

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

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Stage Sentence

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