Courts / Limerick / Report

Limerick man appeals conviction for murdering elderly retired soldier

Date
2017-01-27

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

Christopher McNamara, aged 24, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of James Boyce, a 71‑year‑old retired soldier, in Limerick in March 2011. McNamara had previously pleaded not guilty and had admitted the killing to his mother. He had been responsible for Boyce's domestic needs, including lighting his fire. The Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of murder after an hour‑and‑a‑half of deliberations, and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan imposed the mandatory life sentence on 24 January 2014. McNamara has now lodged an appeal against conviction. His barrister, Michael Bowman SC, argues that the jury should have considered a broader range of legal concepts such as recklessness, subjectivity and intent, and that the medical evidence showed unpredictable injuries. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel maintains that the jury was properly instructed on the mental element of murder and that any grey area should favour the accused.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Limerick man appeals conviction for murdering elderly retired soldier. Charges or matters: the murder of James Boyce (71) at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park in Limerick between March 6 2011 and March 7 2011. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 6 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
March 7 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
January 24, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-01-27 Publication

Case subjects

Christopher McNamara

Defendant

Charges: the murder of James Boyce (71) at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park in Limerick between March 6 2011 and March 7 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: He was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on January 24, 2014.