Two men have been found guilty of a petrol-bomb attack on a house in Co Clare which gardaí say could have been fatal.
Noel Price (25), Kileely Avenue, Limerick, and Michael Stanners, (20), Delmege Park, Limerick, were convicted of arson at Gillogue House, Clonlara, Co Clare, on May 17th, 2001.
They were also convicted of engaging in conduct which created substantial risk of death or serious harm, and with possession of a container of petrol with intent to use it on the same date.They had denied the charges.
A jury at Limerick Circuit Court returned a unanimous guilty verdict on all counts, following four hours of deliberation at the end of the five-day trial.
During the trial, the defence had claimed that statements - obtained by gardaí during question-and-answer sessions - were made by the defendants under duress. However, gardai denied the allegations.
On the first day of the trial, Mr Philip Treacy gave evidence that he had been watching television on the evening of May 17th, 2001, when a petrol bomb was hurled through the front window of his home.
His wife, Pauline, three of their children and a family friend were also in the house at the time.
Mr Treacy told the jury that he nearly suffocated from smoke inhalation as he fought to put out the fire with a garden hose.
Judge Carroll Moran deferred sentencing for mention to today's sitting of Limerick Circuit Court and remanded both men in custody. Garda Sgt Jim Ryan, who led the investigation, welcomed the verdict.
"This was a very serious case which could have led to death only for the swift action of Mr Philip Treacy," he said.