National court archive · 2026-03-18

'Unfortunate situation' sees jury dismissed in trial of man accused of 'indescribably savage' murder

At a glance

Crime
murder of 58-year-old John Casserly
People
Liam O’Leary, John Casserly, Melanie Greally, Dean Kelly, Heidi Okkers
Locations
Tone St, Ballina, Co Mayo
Court
Central Criminal Court
Outcome
the discharge of a jury

Summary

The jury in Liam O'Leary's Central Criminal Court murder trial has been discharged after the judge said an 'unfortunate situation' meant the proceedings could not continue. O'Leary denies murdering 58-year-old John Casserly at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit in Ballina in October 2024. The case will return to court on April 15, and the jurors were excused from further service for five years.

Read the original CNI report

Original reporting: courtsnewsireland.ie