Terence Maguire went on trial over gas explosion charges

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

Terence Maguire went on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court over a gas explosion. The proceedings were reported on 2 April 2019. The charges concerned an incident at Sullivan Street, Dublin, on 1 June 2014.

Maguire pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct that created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another. He also denied 13 charges of criminal damage to houses and cars.

His counsel, Brendan Grehan SC, told the jury that Maguire accepted his actions caused the explosion, which demolished his own home and damaged neighbours’ homes and cars. Grehan said the sole issue was Maguire’s state of mind and intention at the time.

A Dublin Fire Brigade witness described the building’s walls being blown out and its ceiling and roof collapsing; windows in neighbouring homes were also blown out. The trial continued before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury.