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Arsonist jailed after drink and drug-fuelled attack saw three houses demolished
Summary
Brian McKee, 29, pleaded guilty to arson that set fire to his partner's family home on 27 July 2018, causing that house and two adjoining terraced houses to be demolished. The fire began on a couch in the living room and spread through the attic, where furniture had been stored, igniting the neighbouring houses. McKee, who had recently stopped drinking, admitted drinking a can of Coors Light and gin and possibly taking cocaine before the incident. He was found outside the house at 5 am, covered in blood, holding a knife, and later detained by Gardaí. The court heard victim impact statements from the owners of the damaged houses, detailing loss of belongings, financial hardship and emotional distress. McKee's defence highlighted his bipolar disorder, past rehabilitation and lack of prior convictions. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a seven‑year prison sentence, suspending six years on conditions including engagement with addiction services and full cooperation with his mental‑health care plan.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Arsonist jailed after drink and drug-fuelled attack saw three houses demolished. Charges or matters: criminal damage by arson to a house at Heather View Lawn, Tallaght on July 27, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 27, 2018 Incident
- 2024-11-25 Publication
Why: McKee, who had not drunk in a few months, said he drank a can of Coors Light and some gin from the bottle in order to knock himself out and sleep. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: criminal damage by arson to a house at Heather View Lawn, Tallaght on July 27, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She imposed a prison sentence of seven years, but suspended six years on a number of conditions, including that he engage with addiction services and fully cooperate with his mental health care plan.
Places mentioned
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