Courts / Mayo / Report

Man accused of murdering elderly brothers posed as doctor in pub, trial hears

Summary

A man is on trial at the Central Criminal Court charged with the murder of two elderly brothers found beaten to death in their Castlebar home in July 2013. The accused, aged 30 and from Ballina, Co Mayo, has admitted killing the brothers but pleaded not guilty to murder. Evidence heard during the trial revealed that hours before the deaths, the defendant claimed to be a medical student and told people in a local public house that he worked in the mortuary and would conduct post-mortems on any bodies discovered that night. He also made allegations against another man present in the establishment, suggesting he posed a threat to his wife. Witnesses testified that the brothers were known as harmless and quiet members of the Castlebar community. One barman recalled regularly delivering tea to the brothers and witnessing the defendant in their company on the night in question. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of murdering elderly brothers posed as doctor in pub, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering them on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 10th July 2013 Other
• 9th July Other
• July 9th Other
• Christmas Other
• 2017-07-13 Publication

Why: "He said he had the authority to do it because he was training to be a doctor. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report