Sunday 1 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 22620Arson; endangerment · Co. Dublin · 26 Mar 2022

Keith Riggs jailed for 11 years over Depaul Hostel arson that left woman with catastrophic injuries

Keith Riggs, 38, was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment (with 18 months suspended) at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for setting fire to the Depaul Hostel in Dublin 7 on 26 March 2022, which left 22-year-old Shauna O'Brien with catastrophic and life-limiting injuries. Riggs pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one count of endangerment.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced30 Jan
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatKeith Riggs set fire to the Depaul Hostel in Dublin 7 on 26 March 2022. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeRiggs pleaded guilty to two counts of arson and one count of endangerment. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceRiggs was sentenced to a total of 11 years, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceThe suspended conditions include supervision by the Probation Service and engagement with community mental health services upon release. (thejournal.ie)
  • sentenceThe sentence was backdated to 27 March 2022. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherDublin City Council spent over €2 million to repair the hostel and house residents elsewhere. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherRiggs had a long history of mental health issues and developed psychosis in his 20s. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherRiggs had suicidal thoughts at the time of the fire. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherRiggs is taking medication and has engaged with services while in custody. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 30 Jan2023
    Sentencedthejournal.ie, first report
    Man jailed for setting fire to homeless hostel that left woman with catastrophic injuries

    Reports the sentencing of Keith Riggs at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 30 January 2023, including details of the victim's injuries, the judge's reasoning, and the suspended portion of the sentence.

    convicted, Keith Riggs, 38, male, named, irish (judged from name)Keith Riggsvictim, Shauna O'Brien, 22, female, irish (judged from name)Shauna O'Brien