Teenager admits causing €220,000 damage to Laois house

A boy admitted to an arson which caused €220,000 worth of damage to a house in Laois.  

The  teenager (17), who cannot be named due to his age, also admitted to carrying out three burglaries in Laois a month after the arson offence.

The arson occurred in Laois on April 6 last year. The teenager admitted to carrying out three burglaries in Laois the following month on May 15, 2023.  

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty to all of the offences. 

Detective Garda Ryan said “a lady’s house burnt down” in the arson. A victim impact statement was requested. 

“He was setting fire to wheelie bins with another male and unfortunately this bin was beside the gas box of a house,” Det Ryan explained.  He said it wasn’t his intention to burn the house. 

Judge Andrew Cody branded the DPP’s decision to deal with the case in the district court as extraordinary. 

Mr Fitzgerald admitted it was unusual that the DPP had directed that the case be heard in the district court and he suggested it may be because of the accused’s age. 

Det Ryan said “there was one other male that was dealt with under the juvenile liaison system.” 

“That’s even worse. A slap on the wrist,” replied Judge Cody. 

Det Ryan agreed with the judge. 

“If that’s the DPP’s decision, that’s the DPP’s decision but an extraordinary state of affairs,” said Judge Cody. 

He adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on December 9 for a probation and welfare report and a victim impact statement. He granted legal aid in the case.