Cork man who set fire to family home in drug-induced psychosis avoids jail after clear urine test

Sentencing was paused last week after defendant tested positive for an opiate, which his barrister said was painkilling medication 

Defendant had his sentence suspended on condition he keeps the peace and commits no other offences for the next three years. Picture: Larry Cummins 

A 37-year-old man set fire to the family home when he heard voiced caused by psychosis and on Friday he was given a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence after further urinalysis proved he was clear of drugs.

It was a drug-induced psychosis which caused him to hear voices and ultimately set fire to the family home. 

Judge Helen Boyle paused sentencing last week after one of the tests proved positive for an opiate. 

When Mahon Corkery, defence barrister, explained this was due to painkilling medication, the judge put sentencing back until Friday so the additional test could be given.

Robert Sheehan, of 58 Innishannon Road, Fair Hill, Cork, has now had his sentence suspended on condition he keeps the peace and commits no other offences for the next three years.

Judge Boyle acknowledged the defendant had been remanded in custody for a total of 170 days already on this arson charge.

In terms of the background to the case, Garda Denis Coleman testified he responded to a call from the fire service, who were at the scene of the fire at Innishannon Road on April 7, 2024.

“A gentleman at the scene of the fire identified himself as Robert Sheehan. He said there were two people in the house — that he could hear the voices of two people.

“He was required to leave the area and he refused. The fire was extinguished and he was arrested under the Mental Treatment Act. He was hearing voices,” Garda Coleman said.

There was nobody in the house at the time of the fire. It was owned by his father, who is since deceased.

“On the evening, Robert Sheehan was conveyed to Gurranabraher Garda Station. A doctor was called to the station and he recommended he be conveyed to St Michael’s ward of Mercy University Hospital. The hospital declined to take him because he had taken intoxicants that day. He made full admissions,” Garda Coleman said.

The extent of the criminal damage was €10,000.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge of intentionally or recklessly causing criminal damage by fire at that address on April 7 last year without lawful excuse. The charge specified damage by fire caused to the ground floor of house on that occasion.

Mr Corkery said of the accused: “He rang 999 himself on the day. He apologised to all of the services and to his family.” 

Garda Coleman agreed and said Robert Sheehan wrote a letter of apology to the fire service.

Mr Corkery said the defendant was in a much better place now and was in a relationship where he enjoyed the positive support of his partner.