A STUDENT caused a security alert last year when one of his firebombs exploded in the centre of Dublin, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told yesterday.
The blast at Easons bookshop in O'Connell Street occurred with in a day of the visit to the city by the Prince of Wales. Damien Flynn had hidden the device among children's toys and it set fire to a display area.
Massive disruption was caused in the city as the area was sealed off in a search for more incendiaries. A large number of gardai was involved in the ensuing investigation, Det Sgt Kieran Daly told Mr Eamonn Leahy, prosecuting.
Flynn (21), from Broadford Walk, Ballinteer, Co Dublin, who has a diploma in electrical engineering, was remanded in custody for sentence today.
Judge Patrick Smith said there was a conflict in the evidence about his motivation. In a statement to gardai, Flynn claimed he liked to see the result in the newspapers". However, he told his probation officer his sole pleasure was in planning, building and placing the devices.
He pleaded guilty to setting fire to stock, shelving and fixtures in Easons on May 30th, 1995. He also admitted possessing further incendiaries at Clerys, O'Connell Street, on a date from May 1st-5th and in Roches Stores, Henry Street, on October 10th, 1995.
Det Sgt Daly said a customer found an unexploded device in Clerys and it was dealt with by bomb disposal experts. However the Roches Stores firebomb, which included nails, went off as it was being examined by an Army robot. The area was showered with shrapnel.
In August 1995, a Dublin Institute of Technology workman had escaped when he picked up a device. A wire became disconnected and while it began ticking it did not explode.
Gardai mounted an extensive investigation and Flynn was filmed by concealed cameras stealing timer devices from shops. His picture was circulated and he was identified. A search of his bedroom uncovered materials for more incendiaries and he admitted the offences.
Gardai were satisfied there was no paramilitary link to the case.
Del Sgt Daly said Flynn seemed detached from the seriousness of his offending and did not seem to realise the possible effect of a detonation. Mr Michael Ryan, defending, said reports disclosed Flynn suffered from a sense of alienation and social isolation which seemed to play a major role in his offending.