A low level drug dealer suffered life threatening injuries when he was stabbed 16 times in his home and set on fire after his ex-girlfriend spread a false rumour that he was a garda informant.

The victim, Ciarán Murphy (29), was found in a dog cage in his home by a passers-by who noticed his cottage was in flames.

He was left with life threatening injuries after he suffered 96% burns from his neck down and multiple stab wounds, including into his heart cavity.

Mr Murphy now has no ears and, almost five years after the attack, is still bleeding from some of the wounds that cover his body.

David Keena (21), of Carrig Mor, Ballynacargy, Mullingar, Westmeath, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing serious harm and criminal damage by way of arson at Mr Murphy's home on Coolcor, Rhode, Co Offaly on September 7, 2015.