Murder accused withdrew admission before making prison confession

A Sligo man charged with murder at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded not guilty to killing a musician but guilty to manslaughter. Keith Brady, aged 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, is accused of murdering Martin Kivlehan on a date unknown between 2nd and 3rd August 2015 at the victim's home on Holborn Street. During the trial, evidence emerged that Brady initially admitted to the killing following encouragement from his sister. However, when re-interviewed months later with new mobile phone evidence, he retracted this admission, claiming he had made a false confession to escape the interview situation. Subsequently, while remanded in Castlerea prison, Brady contacted gardaí unprompted and provided a detailed account of the incident, stating he stabbed Mr Kivlehan during an altercation but could not explain his actions. He expressed remorse and asked that a message of apology be conveyed to the victim's family. The trial continues.