Courts / Wicklow / Report

Murder accused told gardai he didn't mean to kill friend he hit in head with rock

Summary

In a Wicklow murder case, Thomas O'Connor, aged 29, was accused of killing his best friend, John O'Brien, 22, on 4 June 2010. O'Connor told Gardaí that he did not intend to kill O'Brien when he struck him with a rock during a fight that escalated "for no reason." He claimed the altercation began after a night of drinking, during which he had consumed three litres of cider and half a bottle of wine. O'Connor said he had been hit by O'Brien, then grabbed a rock and struck him a few times before fleeing. He admitted to throwing the rock into a ditch, washing his hands at a friend's house, and burning his blood‑stained jumper in a field. O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and the trial is proceeding before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he didn't mean to kill friend he hit in head with rock. Charges or matters: murdering John O'Brien, who was from Burnaby Lawns in Greystones on 4th June 2010; murder, but guilty to manslaughter at Farrankelly Road, Delgany, Co Wicklow. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 4th June 2010 Incident
• 2017-02-22 Publication

Why: He said that the deceased had invited him back to his house because his girlfriend wasn't there, but that the accused had said he was going to another friend's house and left. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report