Man charged over boy’s death in fire 11 years ago

A man was charged in connection with the death of a schoolboy in Tallaght in 2001.

Dermot Griffin of Ballyfermot Road was charged with the manslaughter of Stephen Hayes Connors, 12, who died after the hut he was playing in was set on fire in the early hours of Sept 1, 2001. Stephen’s mother Elizabeth was among those in Tallaght District Court to watch proceedings.

The court heard that Griffin, 52, had been arrested by Detective Garda John Stack outside Tallaght District Court earlier yesterday morning and charged with the schoolboy’s manslaughter.

Det Garda Stack told the court that when he handed Mr Griffin a copy of the charge sheet he had made no reply after caution.

The court was also told that Mr Griffin is unemployed and receiving social welfare payments.

His solicitor, Declan Fahy, said there was no application for bail, and his client was granted free legal aid.

Mr Griffin, who was wearing jeans and a navy, white and grey striped jumper, did not make any comments during the court hearing.

Judge Anthony Halpin remanded him in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court next Wednesday.

Stephen Connors had been in the makeshift hut at Rossfield Avenue in Brookfield in Tallaght with a 14-year-old friend when it was set on fire at around 5am. The structure was made of pallets, doors and carpet and while Stephen’s friend managed to escape the blaze, he did not.

Since his death there have been calls for an independent inquiry and his family set up a Facebook appeal.