Wednesday 28 October 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. 5092Unlawful burning of vegetation (Wildlife Acts) · Co. Kerry · 3 Mar 2023

Part-time farmer pleads guilty over furze burning in Kerry

Maurice Bowler pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to burning furze at a family holding in Kells, Co Kerry, on 3 March 2023, which destroyed 16 hectares of vegetation. The judge adjourned the matter to 7 October to allow him to pay €600 to the Court Poor Box.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court18 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
7 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe fire destroyed 16 hectares of vegetation. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe fire was set at the family holding at Reacaslagh, Kells, Co Kerry. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe fire was set on 3 March 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeHe was attempting to burn furze on his mountain holding to clear it for sheep. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeHe pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to burning furze. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe emergency services took several hours to bring the fire under control. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHe had no criminal convictions of any kind. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 18 Sep2024
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Part-time farmer pleads guilty over effort to burn furze on mountain to clear it for sheep

    Court report on a guilty plea. The judge adjourned the matter to 7 October; if the €600 is paid, the charge will be dismissed under section 111 of the Probation of Offenders Act. The article gives the defence account and the judge's remarks on the case.

    accused, Maurice Bowler, 44, male, named, irish (judged from name)Maurice Bowler