Courts / Sligo / Report

Pensioner's injuries were "a horrendous sight to behold"

Date
2014-03-27

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Sligo

County
Sligo

Summary

A 30-year-old man from Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter in connection with the death of a 67-year-old pensioner in September 2012. Simon McGinley of Connaughton Road has also admitted false imprisonment and trespass to commit robbery at the victim's home on Old Market Street. The Central Criminal Court heard that the State rejected the manslaughter plea and a jury trial commenced. Medical evidence described severe head injuries including skull fracture, brain swelling, and extensive bruising. The deceased died following cardiac arrest at Sligo General Hospital. Detectives told the court that McGinley appeared distressed during interview, expressing remorse and stating the victim "wasn't meant to die." He indicated he had attempted to alert gardaí to the man's location but they attended the wrong address. The trial was ongoing at reporting.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pensioner's injuries were "a horrendous sight to behold". Charges or matters: murder but has admitted the manslaughter of Eugene Gillespie (67) in Co; the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

September 22, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
September 19, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
September 21, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
September 28, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-03-27 Publication

Case subjects

Simon McGinley

Accused

Charges: murder but has admitted the manslaughter of Eugene Gillespie (67) in Co; the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty