Courts / Sligo / Report

Deputy State pathologist gives evidence in Sligo murder trial

Date
2014-04-01
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Sligo
County
Sligo

Summary

The Central Criminal Court heard evidence from Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis in the ongoing trial of Simon McGinley, a 30-year-old Sligo man. McGinley, of Connaughton Road, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Eugene Gillespie (67) but admitted to the manslaughter of the pensioner in Co. Sligo on September 22, 2012. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and the trial commenced last Tuesday. Dr Curtis testified that he performed a post-mortem at Galway University Hospital on September 23, 2012, and visited the deceased's home. He reported severe blunt force trauma to the head, face, and neck, including fractures to the skull base, jaw, and ribs, as well as ligature marks on the wrists and neck. The pathologist stated the cause of death was bronchial pneumonia due to coma resulting from the trauma, with hand ischemia from binding as a contributory factor. Detective Sergeant Con Lee also gave evidence regarding McGinley's demeanor during interviews. The matter was adjourned, and the trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Deputy State pathologist gives evidence in Sligo murder trial. 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:

Case subjects

Deputy State

Defendant

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)

Simon McGinley

Defendant

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

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Address Area
  • Old Market Street
Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal Court
Facility
  • Galway University Hospital
  • Beaumont Hospital

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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