Courts / Mayo / Report

"The extreme of violence": murder accused told gardai he poured boiling water over disabled pensioner's genitals

Date
2017-07-17

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Castlebar

County
Mayo

Summary

A man from Ballina, County Mayo, has admitted killing two disabled brothers but denies murder charges relating to their deaths in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. The 30-year-old defendant is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with murdering Thomas Blaine and Jack Blaine. During proceedings, gardaí testimony revealed the accused's account of the incident, including claims he inflicted injuries because he suspected the brothers were child molesters. The State Pathologist's post-mortem examination documented extensive trauma to both victims, including skull fractures, blunt force injuries, and scalding. The pathologist characterised the assault as displaying "overkill", with violence far exceeding what was necessary to cause death. Evidence suggested the initial attack occurred while one victim lay in bed, with injuries consistent with defensive attempts. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "The extreme of violence": murder accused told gardai he poured boiling water over disabled pensioner's genitals. Charges or matters: murdering them on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. Procedural stage: trial

When:

10th July 2013 Incident
2017-07-17 Publication

Why: A Mayo man said he poured boiling water over a disabled pensioner's genitals and beat the victim's elderly brother in his bed because he thought that, as they were living together, 'maybe' they were child molesters. CNI source report