James McNamee’s arson sentence cut on appeal

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

James McNamee had his arson sentence reduced to four years, with the final 18 months suspended, by the Court of Appeal on 22 June 2015.

The offence followed a fire at the Northlink Retail Park in Dundalk in June 2010, after a sofa was set alight in a loading bay.

McNamee had pleaded guilty to arson at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court and appealed against the severity of his four-year sentence imposed in January 2014. The appeal court found an error in the original sentencing approach, citing his youth and rehabilitation prospects, while retaining a substantial custodial term. The suspended portion applied during his remaining custody and for four years after release, on conditions.