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"Petrified" arsonist caused almost €2m in damage to gym

Summary

In a 2019 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Mark Harte, aged 26, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for arson that caused nearly €2 million in damage to a Flyefit gym in Coolock. Harte admitted that he carried out the arson in July 2016 for a criminal gang to whom he owed a drug debt because of his cocaine use. CCTV footage showed a car driven through the gym's front glass doors, stopped at the security turnstiles, and then set alight. Harte had left the car and was holding a container; he had also ensured no one was nearby before signalling the driver. DNA on white latex gloves linked him to the scene, and a neighbour's photograph helped identify the suspicious vehicle. Harte pleaded guilty to the arson charge.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Petrified" arsonist caused almost €2m in damage to gym. Charges or matters: arson at Flyefit gym, Coolock on July 25, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 2016 Incident
• July 25, 2016 Incident
• September 2018 Other
• 2019-06-06 Publication

Why: Mark Harte (26) said that he carried out the arson in July 2016 for a criminal gang who he had built up a drug debt to because of his cocaine use. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Arson Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report