Courts / Wexford / Report
Man convicted of murder while on temporary prison release brings appeal
Summary
James Connors, aged 30, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of Jason Ryan, aged 27, in Wexford on 25 January 2012. The Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty by a 10‑2 majority, and Justice Margaret Heneghan imposed the mandatory life sentence on 17 December 2015. Connors has now applied to appeal his conviction on several grounds. His barrister, Michael Delaney SC, argued that the defence had admitted Connors was on temporary release over Christmas 2011 and failed to return, making it undesirable that a jury would know he had been in custody. Delaney also contended that prejudicial material, including testimony from Samantha Hore and a phone call from Connors while in prison, should not have been admitted. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Gerard Clarke SC, described the case as simple and maintained that the alleged threats were relevant to motive. James Connors pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man convicted of murder while on temporary prison release brings appeal. Charges or matters: the murder of Jason Ryan (27), at Hollyville Heights in Wexford on January 25th 2012. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 25th 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 17, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas 2011 Other
- 2016-10-11 Publication
Why: Mr Delaney said the evidence didn't establish any malicious intent because Ms Hore couldn't say who started the fight but the jury were told that Connors was going around with a knife weeks before the killing. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the murder of Jason Ryan (27), at Hollyville Heights in Wexford on January 25th 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A Central Criminal Court jury found Connors guilty of murder by a 10-2 majority and he was given the mandatory life sentence by Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan on December 17, 2015.
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