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Arsonist who couldn't remember setting cars ablaze is jailed

Summary

Seán Byrne, 44, of Tallaght, was jailed for four and a half years for arson on 20 October 2023. He set fire to two cars and a house where the owners were sleeping, but he was intoxicated and could not remember the incident. Gardaí were called to a car on fire in Tyrconnell, Inchicore at 3.15 am; CCTV showed Byrne entering and exiting the vehicle before it ignited. The second car also caught fire, and the front of the house suffered heat damage. The owners' insurance paid over €21,000 for the damage. Byrne had more than 70 prior convictions and was highly intoxicated when arrested. The judge, Orla Crowe, suspended the final nine months of the sentence for two years, provided he engages with the probation service after release. The case was described as unusual because no accelerant was used. Seán Byrne pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Arsonist who couldn't remember setting cars ablaze is jailed. Charges or matters: damaging the two cars and the house by fire on October 20, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 20, 2023 Incident
• 2025-07-15 Publication

Why: He comes out a very fresh, healthy man," defence counsel said, explaining that Byrne had purposely gone into custody following this offence in order to come clean. Defence account reported by CNI

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Read the original CNI report