Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman set neighbour's car on fire after Googling how to make pipe bomb
Summary
Tammy O'Connor, 29, of Craigie Court, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to criminal damage, arson and theft after she set her neighbour's taxi on fire. The victim, a taxi driver, discovered his car's front passenger window smashed and rear tyres slashed at 1.30 am on 4 July 2023, with €100 in a coin tray and a dash‑cam taken. On 28 July, he found the car's interior on fire after a fire alarm sounded. Gardaí obtained CCTV showing O'Connor smashing the window and throwing a homemade pipe bomb, which she had Googled after receiving an eviction notice. She admitted the act, citing stress, addiction and mental‑health difficulties. Judge Elva Duffy sentenced her to two and a half years, suspending the final 18 months on strict conditions, including 18 months of probation engagement. The sentence reflects the recklessness of the offence and the impact on the victim.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman set neighbour's car on fire after Googling how to make pipe bomb. Charges or matters: charges of criminal damage, arson and theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court The court heard that the injured party was a good neighbour to O'Connor, whose behaviour became "challenging". Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 4, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 28, 2023 Other
- 2025-05-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: charges of criminal damage, arson and theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court The court heard that the injured party was a good neighbour to O'Connor, whose behaviour became "challenging" (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Duffy accepted that O'Connor is "open and honest" about her situation and further accepted that she is willing to engage with the Probation Service. "She is vulnerable but the issues before the court are serious," Judge Duffy said, before she sentenced O'Connor to two and a half years.
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