Courts / Wexford / Report

Dad-of-three died after knife wound to varicose vein

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court sentence hearing, a 48‑year‑old father of three was found to have died from a knife wound to a varicose vein in his leg on Christmas Eve 2014. The victim, John Lawlor, was stabbed by David Shanley, 47, who had pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Shanley, who was in a relationship with Lawlor's ex‑wife, claimed a struggle and that the knife fell from his pocket during an altercation. A post‑mortem confirmed death by hemorrhage and shock from the incised vein. The court heard victim impact statements from Lawlor's family, who described the loss and the emotional toll. Justice Paul Butler remanded Shanley in custody pending sentencing in two weeks. David Shanley pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dad-of-three died after knife wound to varicose vein. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of John Lawlor on December 24 or 25, 2014 at Ballinatray Lower, Courtown Harbour; manslaughter in June and had been on bail. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• December 24 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas Eve Other
• Christmas Incident
• 2016-10-10 Publication

Why: The inspector explained that Shanley was in a relationship with Mr Lawlor's ex-wife, Melissa Lawlor, and that he had been drinking with her on Christmas Eve. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report