Courts / Sligo / Report
Murder accused told gardai he hit and tied up pensioner
Summary
A 30-year-old man from Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter following the death of a 67-year-old pensioner in September 2012. Simon McGinley, of Connaughton Road, has also pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and trespass to commit robbery at a property on Old Market Street. The Central Criminal Court heard that the State rejected the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn for trial. During interviews at Sligo Garda Station, the accused told gardai he struck the victim once or twice, tied his hands, and placed a blanket under his head before leaving the scene. He stated he searched the house, obtained a small sum of money, burned his clothing that night, and made a 999 call the following day. The accused maintained he did not intend for the victim to die. The trial continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he hit and tied up pensioner. 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
- 2014-03-28 Publication
Why: The accused said he got in the gate of the house because "there was a tow bar at the bottom. CNI source report
Case subjects
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
Outcome: Today the jury watched interviews with the accused during his detention at Sligo Garda Station.
Places mentioned
- Connaughton Road
- Sligo
- Old Market Street
- The Central Criminal Court
- his detention at Sligo Garda Station
- Sligo
- Old Market Street
- Mr Gillespie's house
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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