Chef sentenced for trying to set fire to home with wife inside

A former chef who attempted to set fire to the home of his ex-wife while she was still inside has been given a three-year sentence by Judge Patricia Ryan.

Robert Gallagher (aged 51) of Knockmore Crescent, Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of petrol with intent to cause damage to property and with the knowledge of endangering the life of another, also at Knockmore Crescent on February 23, 2008.

Garda Rory Glennon told Mr Roughan Banim BL, prosecuting, that Gallagher rang his daughter saying he wanted to stay with them that night. She said that they “didn’t really want him to stay” but he turned up to the house a short time later with a can of petrol.

When gardaí arrived at the scene they saw Gallagher crouching behind a car in the front drive and found that petrol had been poured over the driveway and front step of the house. They heard Gallagher shout “I’m going to get you” into the front door and arrested him.

Gallagher has nine previous convictions including theft, criminal damage and road traffic offences.

Judge Ryan backdated the sentence to when Gallagher was first remanded in custody in February 2008 but suspended the balance on condition that he be of good behaviour for two years and remain under the supervision of the probation service for 18 months.

She said she had been very impressed with the way Gallagher had met the case, his admissions, plea of guilty and remorse. She also noted that he still had the support of his family.

Mr Gallagher’s daughter told the court that “nothing had changed” in her relationship with her father since the incident and that she visited him in prison three times a week.

Mr Thomas Pearse BL, defending, said that Gallagher had left school at 18, worked as a chef for a number of years and at one stage owned his own catering business.

He said that there was a history of alcohol abuse in Gallagher’s family and that drink became a problem for him after his business ran into financial difficulties.

He said that Gallagher was deeply remorseful for his actions and wanted to offer an apology to all people involved.