Courts / Kildare / Report
Man cleared of manslaughter after row over noise and late night drinking
Summary
A 37‑year‑old Kildare construction worker, Paul Gill, was found not guilty of manslaughter after a six‑day trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case involved an altercation on Sarto Road, Naas, on 22 August 2015, where Gill attacked Patrick "Patsy" Kelly over noise and late‑night drinking. Gill admitted assaulting Kelly and pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Kelly's friend, Martin Curtis. The jury, after just under two hours of deliberation, returned a verdict of not guilty of manslaughter. Gill remains on continuing bail and will be sentenced on 20 November for the assault charges. The trial focused on medical evidence that Kelly's death was primarily due to heart disease, with alcohol and injuries as contributory factors. Victim impact statements were scheduled for the sentencing date.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man cleared of manslaughter after row over noise and late night drinking. Charges or matters: assault causing harm to Mr Kelly's friend, Martin Curtis, during the same incident. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 22, 2015 Incident
- November 20 Adjournment
- 2017-10-25 Publication
Why: She said that in order to convict Mr Gill of manslaughter, the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the assault on Mr Kelly was one of the causes which contributed to his death. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: assault causing harm to Mr Kelly's friend, Martin Curtis, during the same incident (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Gill, who was remanded on continuing bail, will be sentenced on November 20 in relation to the assault on Mr Kelly and on Mr Curtis.; Mr Gill, who was remanded on continuing bail, will be sentenced on November 20 in relation to the assault on Mr Kelly and on Mr Curtis.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- 'Merciful approach': man who sexually assaulted girl (14) a year after defiling her won't face any extra jail time
- Museum employee charged with possessing bomb tells court he wants to reapply for bail 'at earliest chance'
- Explosive device allegedly stored in National Museum at Collins' Barracks
- Journalist 'victimised and penalised' by animal rescue charity, solicitor says
- Fraudster jailed for conning over €50k from elderly woman for garden work
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request