Arson left elderly brothers homeless and without precious photos of their late mother
The case was heard at Waterford Circuit Court.
A 26-year-old man received a seven-year prison sentence for setting fire to a house in Waterford City that left two elderly brothers homeless.
The victims were forced to leave their home in the dead of night with only the clothes on their back.
Patryck Pietrazych, of 7 Henry Terrace, Waterford City, was found guilty on one count of arson after a trial held in November 2025.
In the early hours of December 4, 2023, he set fire to 4 Grange Terrace. CCTV footage captured a man matching Pietrazych's description walking in the direction of the address. The house was owned by Waterford City and County Council and was uninhabitable for nearly two years. The damages were valued at just over €77,000.
At the scene of the crime, Gardaí found glass jars of a Polish food product, which later matched the serial number and expiry date of jars found in Pietrazych's home.
Detective Garda Sean Lane confirmed that Pietrazych has 11 previous convictions, including assault, violent disorder, theft and threats to assault. The court heard that Pietrazych has not shown any remorse or offered an apology.
In Waterford Circuit Court, one brother gave a victim impact statement, explaining how they had lost everything they had ever owned, including their tropical fish pets, rare coins and photographs of their mother, who died in 1993.
He said: "It was all we had left of her. I was really upset by that, we have no reminder of her."
The brothers have suffered sleepless nights, night terrors and anxiety after their close brush with death.
The victim said: "We could have been six feet under."
Judge Eugene O'Kelly imposed a sentence of seven years, reduced by nine months due to Pietrazych's work history and pro-social background.
