Brian Ibe jailed for Peter Kennedy murder

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Brian Ibe was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder at the Central Criminal Court on 19 May 2025. The murder took place in Newbridge, Co Kildare.

The jury convicted Ibe of murder and assault causing harm to Garda Brendan O’Donnell, rejecting his defence of not guilty by reason of insanity. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed 12 months in prison for the assault and life imprisonment for the murder, backdated to 29 April 2020.

Two defence psychiatrists diagnosed Ibe with schizophrenia, while prosecution psychiatrist Dr Mary Davoren disagreed. Davoren said the threats Ibe made to Kennedy were goal-directed and rational, and not evidence of schizophrenia.

At sentencing, the judge noted the absence of any true remorse from Ibe. Kennedy’s sister described him as thoughtful and generous, and said the family remained shocked and traumatised by his murder.