Courts / Mayo / Report
Cawley found guilty of "wanton, savage" double murder of elderly brothers
Summary
A 30-year-old man from Ballina has been convicted of the murder of two elderly brothers at the Central Criminal Court. Alan Cawley was found guilty of killing Thomas Blaine, aged 69, and John Blaine, aged 76, at their home on New Antrim Street in Castlebar on 10 July 2013. Both men had learning difficulties and were receiving HSE care. Cawley had admitted the killings but pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing diminished responsibility due to mental health conditions. A jury rejected this defence after hearing evidence from psychiatric experts. Justice Paul Coffey imposed a mandatory life sentence, describing the attacks as "wanton" and "savage". A victim impact statement was read by a family member, who recalled the brothers as gentle men who had cared for each other and were valued members of their community.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cawley found guilty of "wanton, savage" double murder of elderly brothers. Charges or matters: murdering them on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 10th July 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 9th Other
- 2017-07-25 Publication
Why: He explained that, if not satisfied, they should find the accused guilty. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering them on 10th July 2013 at New Antrim Street in Castlebar (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: He spoke about how much they were missed. "The notepad I used to communicate with my cousins instead of shouting in their ears is no longer useful," he said. "Not seeing Tommy sitting in his chair smiling is a terrible loss." He said they had not bothered with television or any luxuries, but enjoyed the simple things in life and would drink tea by the barrelful. "Two simple men, two angels," he commented. "May they rest in peace." Justice Coffey then asked their murderer to stand. "The law demands a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment, which I impose," he said. "The killings were as wanton
Places mentioned
- New Antrim Street
- His Central Criminal Court
- Castlerea
- Castlerea prison
- Blaine house
Topics
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