Courts / Dublin / Report
Arsonist who burnt down head shop causing busy city street to close for three days has jail term cut on appeal
Summary
In 2010, Davinn Flynn, 42, set fire to the Nirvana head shop on Capel Street, Dublin, causing €1 million in damage and closing the street for three days. He pleaded guilty in 2015 and was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. On appeal, the Court of Appeal re‑sentenced him to seven years, suspending the final two years. The court noted that Flynn and another man started the fire with an accelerant, that CCTV showed Flynn entering the shop's rear, and that the blaze spread to a sex shop and another similar premises. Flynn had 65 prior convictions, including robbery, theft and public order offences. The appeal was based on the original judge's failure to address Flynn's potential for rehabilitation, which the appellate judges found an error in principle. The final sentence therefore remains seven years, with two years suspended.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Arsonist who burnt down head shop causing busy city street to close for three days has jail term cut on appeal. Charges or matters: arson at the Nirvana head shop, Capel Street, in the capital on February 12, 2010. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- February 12, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 16, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-12-04 Publication
Why: The court heard that Flynn seemed to have a grudge against the head shop because his brother, who died in 2010, may have bought drugs there. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: arson at the Nirvana head shop, Capel Street, in the capital on February 12, 2010 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to six years imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan on February 16, 2015. Flynn successfully appealed his sentence today on grounds that the judge did not directly address his potential for rehabilitation and accordingly, the Court of Appeal re-sentenced him to 7 years imprisonment with the final two suspended.
Places mentioned
- York Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Capel Street
Topics
Public Order Stage Appeal Theft
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