Blood matching deceased’s found on candlestick holder, court hears

At the Central Criminal Court, a 30-year-old man from Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 67-year-old pensioner in September 2012. Simon McGinley of Connaughton Road faces charges of false imprisonment and robbery related to an incident at the victim's home on Old Market Street. The State rejected his manslaughter plea and the trial proceeded. Forensic evidence presented to the court indicated that blood matching the deceased's DNA profile was recovered from a wooden candlestick holder and a drawer at the property. A mixed DNA profile recovered from bloodstained cord found around the victim's wrists showed the accused as the major contributor. Medical testimony outlined the accused's emotional state when interviewed, during which he stated the incident was a robbery that escalated. The trial at the Central Criminal Court is ongoing.