Courts / Dublin / Report
Man (52) set fire to office in mistaken belief partner was having an affair
Summary
A 52‑year‑old man, Jason Ward, was sentenced to five years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions, after he set fire to an upstairs office in a Drumcondra building. He claimed he was under the mistaken belief that his former partner was having an affair there. The fire caused over €110,000 in damage, including smoke damage to a downstairs apartment, and forced tenants to relocate for three months. Ward pleaded guilty to arson and endangerment on 1 June 2022 and had 14 prior convictions. He was found to have purchased petrol, used a balaclava, and employed an accelerant. The court noted his guilty plea, remorse, and efforts to address addiction as mitigating factors. The incident was described as deliberate, cold‑planned, and executed without regard for people or property.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man (52) set fire to office in mistaken belief partner was having an affair. Charges or matters: one count of arson and one of endangerment on June 1, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 1, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-03-13 Publication
Why: In a victim impact statement, one of the residents said he is a heavy sleeper and only awoke because their dogs were barking, otherwise their "lives could have been in danger". CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of arson and one of endangerment on June 1, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She handed Ward a sentence of five years with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
Topics
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