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. 23648Arson · Co. Offaly · 15 May 2021

Man jailed for burning sister's caravan in Tullamore

John McDonagh, 35, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison at Tullamore Circuit Court for arson after he burned his sister Amanda McDonagh's caravan at Church Hill, Tullamore, on 15 May 2021. He must also pay €5,000 compensation and remain under probation supervision for 18 months after release.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced9 Dec
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
20 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJohn McDonagh burned his sister's caravan at Church Hill, Tullamore. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatHe recorded the crime and posted it on social media while very intoxicated. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatBefore the fire, John McDonagh contacted his sister by phone to say he was going to burn the caravan. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatAmanda McDonagh was visiting family in the south of the country at the time. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatShe saw her brother on a Facebook live video admitting the crime. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatThe day before the fire she told Offaly County Council she wanted to move her caravan and leave Tullamore. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatHer brother was roaring and intoxicated and threatened to burn the caravan but she did not believe him. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatNothing was left of the caravan afterwards but a steel frame. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatHer partner had bought the caravan for €11,000 from a cousin. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whatIn interview he said he believed Amanda's partner had it in for him and he feared his own caravan would be burned. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • whenThe arson occurred on 15 May 2021. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • causeHe started the fire by taking a blanket from the caravan, lighting it, and throwing it back in. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • weaponHe used a slashhook to break the windows. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • investigationGarda Brendan McSweeney observed the burned out remains and spoke to the accused's father at 57 Church Hill. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • chargeCharges of criminally damaging the caravan and threatening to damage it were taken into consideration. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • courtHe pleaded guilty at Tullamore Circuit Court. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceHe was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, including one year suspended. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • sentenceHe must pay €5,000 compensation within 18 months of his release. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherHe had 24 previous convictions including 11 for road traffic offences, six for public order offences, four for causing criminal damage, one for endangerment and one for production of a weapon. (offalyexpress.ie)
  • otherThe endangerment offence was committed on 27 August 2019 and on conviction on 12 March 2021 he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years suspended for 10 years. (offalyexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 9 Dec2022
    Sentencedoffalyexpress.ie, first report
    Court hears man burned his sister's caravan in Tullamore housing estate

    Reports the sentencing at Tullamore Circuit Court, including the judge's remarks, the compensation order, probation conditions, and the triggering of a previously suspended sentence for endangerment to be dealt with on 20 December 2022.

    suspect, John McDonagh, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)John McDonaghvictim, Amanda McDonagh, female, irish (judged from name)Amanda McDonagh