Courts / Dublin / Report
Arsonist set fire to ex-girlfriend's car during drug relapse
Summary
A man who set his ex-girlfriend's car on fire has been sentenced to sixteen months in prison. Kevin Kinsella (35) of Annesley Close, Ballybough, Dublin 3, pleaded guilty to one count of arson committed in the Summerhill area of Dublin on July 2, 2024. He has 21 previous convictions. Garda Shane Costello testified that Kinsella was standing beside the car with flames coming from it and had a lump hammer in his hand. The court heard that Kinsella had a strong smell of petrol on him and had singed and burned the hair on his arms and some of his clothing. The damage caused to the car was €4,500. The injured party's insurance paid €3,000 in compensation, and Kinsella was repaying the rest of the money. His defence highlighted his guilty plea, remorse, and contributions to society. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kinsella has a strong work history and has contributed to his local area and community. He said that there was good mitigation in the case and sentenced him to sixteen months in prison.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Arsonist set fire to ex-girlfriend's car during drug relapse. Charges or matters: one count of arson committed in the Summerhill area of Dublin on July 2, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-12-11 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of arson committed in the Summerhill area of Dublin on July 2, 2024 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The judge said: "I don't believe that he will reoffend to this extent in the future." He noted that arson is a very serious crime, adding: "When you set fire to something, nobody knows where it will go." Judge Nolan said there was good mitigation in the case and sentenced him to sixteen months in prison.
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