Courts / Wicklow / Report

Murder accused spent afternoon caring for snakes, trial hears

Summary

In the Wicklow murder trial, Thomas O'Connor, 29, charged with killing John O'Brien, 22, on 4 June 2010, testified that he had spent the afternoon of that day caring for snakes and other animals at a pet shop on Albert Walk in Bray. Adam Lally, a shopkeeper, confirmed that O'Connor entered the shop around midday and remained until about 4 or 5 pm, feeding the pets, especially the snakes, which O'Connor had an interest in. O'Connor's partner also testified that he had a pet snake in his hands later that night. The trial, held in the Central Criminal Court, has heard that O'Connor pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, admitting he struck O'Brien over the head with a rock. The judge has instructed the jury that no further witnesses will testify until Monday. The case remains at the trial stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused spent afternoon caring for snakes, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering John O'Brien, who was from Burnaby Lawns in Greystones on 4th June 2010; murder, but guilty to the 22-year-old's manslaughter at Farrankelly Road, Delgany, Co Wicklow. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 4th June 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-03-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report