Courts / Sligo / Report

Blood matching deceased's found on candlestick holder, court hears

Date
2014-03-31

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Sligo

County
Sligo

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, a 30-year-old man from Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 67-year-old pensioner in September 2012. Simon McGinley of Connaughton Road faces charges of false imprisonment and robbery related to an incident at the victim's home on Old Market Street. The State rejected his manslaughter plea and the trial proceeded. Forensic evidence presented to the court indicated that blood matching the deceased's DNA profile was recovered from a wooden candlestick holder and a drawer at the property. A mixed DNA profile recovered from bloodstained cord found around the victim's wrists showed the accused as the major contributor. Medical testimony outlined the accused's emotional state when interviewed, during which he stated the incident was a robbery that escalated. The trial at the Central Criminal Court is ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Blood matching deceased's found on candlestick holder, court hears. 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 28, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-03-31 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