Courts / Dublin / Report
Four-year sentence for Dubliner who killed man in row over €100 debt
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 24‑year‑old William Gilsenan was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for manslaughter after killing 29‑year‑old Edward Fitzgerald during a dispute over a €100 debt. The incident occurred on 17 October 2014 in a car park outside Gilsenan's home. Witnesses reported that Fitzgerald threatened to damage Gilsenan's property, and after a confrontation Gilsenan entered his apartment, returned armed with a knife, and stabbed Fitzgerald twice—once through the leg and once through the heart, the latter causing death. Gilsenan pleaded not guilty to murder but was found not guilty of murder and guilty of manslaughter. The judge noted Gilsenan's lack of prior violence but cited the presence of a knife as an aggravating factor. The sentence was four years, with two years suspended, and the judge expressed that Gilsenan had no intention to kill. The victim's sister, Nicola O'Dea, expressed disappointment at the sentence, noting the impact on her family.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Four-year sentence for Dubliner who killed man in row over €100 debt. Charges or matters: the murder of Edward Fitzgerald (29) in a car park outside the killer's home at The Green, Larch Hill, Oscar Traynor Road, Santry, Dublin 17. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 17th, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-01-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Edward Fitzgerald (29) in a car park outside the killer's home at The Green, Larch Hill, Oscar Traynor Road, Santry, Dublin 17 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: We have a life sentence to live with." During the trial, the court heard that the killing took place on the afternoon of October 17th, 2014, when Mr Fitzgerald drove up to Gilsenan's home looking for him to repay a €100 debt. An aggravating factor was that the accused brought a knife to the scene although did not intend to use it. The judge sentenced Gilsenan to six years in prison with two years suspended.
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