Kevin Kinsella jailed for arson attack on ex-girlfriend’s car

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

Kevin Kinsella was sentenced to 16 months in prison for one count of arson at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offence was committed in Summerhill on 2 July 2024.

He pleaded guilty. The proceedings were reported on 11 December 2025. Garda Shane Costello told the court that Kinsella was found beside the burning car with a lump hammer, petrol smell on him and singed hair and clothing. The report said the damage was valued at €4,500.

The prosecution accepted that Kinsella was very intoxicated and could not be interviewed for six hours. His barrister, Pieter Le Vert, said he had a work history, had developed difficulties with drugs and alcohol, was under financial pressure and had relapsed. Insurance paid €3,000, with Kinsella repaying the balance. Judge Martin Nolan noted his guilty plea, work history and community contribution.