"Accomplished boxer" jailed for 8 years for manslaughter of mum-of-two

A 23-year-old man from Mount Prospect, Roscommon, has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, following his conviction for manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court. Ray Gralton pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Sara Staunton, a 28-year-old mother-of-two, who died at her home in Portagh, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris on 13 December 2013. The court heard the pair had been in a turbulent relationship marked by heavy alcohol consumption. During the evening of her death, a violent altercation occurred between Gralton and Ms Staunton, during which she sustained severe blunt force trauma to the head. A pathologist confirmed multiple bruises and brain damage. Mr Justice Paul Carney noted the offence's inherent gravity and the impact on the deceased's family. In imposing sentence, the judge acknowledged Gralton's remorse and good work record. The suspended portion is conditional on a €1,000 bond and that Gralton maintain distance from the Staunton family.