A man found guilty of dousing Tallaght Garda station in petrol and setting it alight was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court yesterday to 15 years in prison.
Daniel O'Toole (37), of Cashel Avenue, Crumlin, Dublin, had denied that on July 21st, 1999, at Tallaght Garda station, Dublin, he committed arson. O'Toole had also denied he murdered Garda Sgt Andrew Callanan but admitted manslaughter.
The jury was undecided whether he was guilty of manslaughter, murder or capital murder. The matter will be decided at a later date. O'Toole has one previous conviction for Section 4 rape, rape and sexual assault.
The court previously heard O'Toole was having marital difficulties around the time of the attack. Allegations of sexual abuse made by one of his children against him had led to a barring order. This upset him greatly, the court was told.
The prosecution contended O'Toole walked into the Garda station shortly after 4 a.m. on July 21st, 1999, having bought petrol at a filling station, soaked the counter and floor with the fuel and demanded gardai evacuate the building.
The State's case is that Sgt Callanan confronted O'Toole. The prosecution alleges O'Toole set the public area alight, where Sgt Callanan was trapped.
O'Toole admitted carrying out the killing, saying he "wanted to get back at the system", the court was told.