A company representative who was convicted of committing arson at three hotels, two of them in Galway city, was given a 3 1/2-year suspended prison sentence at Galway Circuit Court yesterday.
Fred Dolan (32), of Salthill, Galway, was convicted of setting fire to a linen closet and corridor floor at the Skeffington Arms Hotel, Galway, on December 18th, 1994, with intent to endanger life and damage property.
He was further convicted of setting fire to two service trolleys in pantry rooms on the third and fifth floors of the Corrib Great Southern Hotel, Galway, in July 1997, and with setting fire to a bed, bedding, bathrobes, floor, walls and ceilings at Kinnity Castle, Co Offaly, in September 1997, with intent to endanger life and property.
Dolan was also convicted of setting fire to a house at Glenard Avenue, Salthill, Galway, causing £15,000 worth of damage, on December 31st, 1982.
At yesterday's hearing Mr Conor Fahy, prosecuting, told Judge Joseph Matthews that evidence in the case was first heard in June of last year and the matter had been adjourned until yesterday on condition that the defendant reside at home, receive therapy and counselling and report regularly to gardai. He said that Dolan had complied with all of these conditions and had no previous convictions.
Mr Barry White SC, defending, said there were a number of psychological reports before the court, and it was clear from these that his client had continued to receive treatment in the intervening period.
The court heard last year that Dolan's dysfunctional behaviour occurred when he consumed alcohol. Mr White said yesterday that his client had stayed away from drink in the intervening period.
Judge Matthews noted that one of the reports, which stated that the likelihood of Doran re offending was extremely unlikely if he stayed away from alcohol and kept receiving treatment, was very insightful and helpful to the court.
Mr White said that his client was now much more open in dealing with his previous dysfunctional behaviour and was continuing to receive psychological treatment and counselling.
Imposing the suspended sentence, Judge Matthews bound Dolan to keep the peace for one year and ordered him to continue attending Merlin Park Hospital Treatment Centre and report fortnightly to gardai. He warned Dolan that if he dishonoured these conditions he would serve the prison term.