Courts / Dublin / Report
Teen who fire-bombed building earmarked for asylum seekers has suspended portion of sentence doubled
Summary
Andy Donohue, a 19‑year‑old from Tallaght, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment with one year suspended for throwing petrol bombs at St John's House, a building earmarked for asylum seekers, causing €28,000 in damage. He pleaded guilty to one count of arson on 24 May 2024. At the appeal, his senior counsel argued the headline sentence was excessive and that more of the term should have been suspended. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Nuala Bulter, found the original judge had erred in suspending only one year and had not fully considered rehabilitation for a very young first‑time offender. The court quashed the original sentence and imposed a new term of six years with two years suspended, keeping the same conditions and adding a requirement for Donohue to attend schooling while in prison.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen who fire-bombed building earmarked for asylum seekers has suspended portion of sentence doubled. Charges or matters: one count of arson at St John's House, High Street, Tallaght on May 24, 2024. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 24, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-10-07 Publication
Why: However, because she left her phone and other personal belongings inside, fire fighters dealing with the blaze initially feared for her safety before she was located safe and uninjured. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of arson at St John's House, High Street, Tallaght on May 24, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Andy Donohue (19), with an address at Citywest View, Tallaght, was sentenced to six years with one suspended by Judge Martin Nolan last February, having pleaded guilty to one count of arson at St John's House, High Street, Tallaght on May 24, 2024. He argued a substantial part of the sentence imposed after mitigation should have been suspended.
Places mentioned
- Citywest View
- Tallaght
- St John's House
- High Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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