Courts / Sligo / Report

Murder accused told gardai he stabbed musician in neck

Date
2017-11-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Sligo

County
Sligo

Summary

A 30-year-old man accused of murdering a Sligo musician told gardai he stabbed the victim in the neck but could not recall his motive, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. The State rejected his guilty plea. Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. Inspector Tom Colsh told the court that Mr Brady invited gardai to his cell in Castlerea Prison in December 2015 and provided a detailed statement about the incident. Mr Brady said he had been addicted to heroin at the time and that events unfolded after visiting the victim's apartment with his sister. He described the stabbing as a "freak moment" and stated he never intended to kill anyone. Following the incident, he said he and his sister moved the body and placed a duvet over it before leaving.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he stabbed musician in neck. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan (59) at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo on August 2/3 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 2 Hearing Or Sentence
December 15, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
August 2015 Other
November 2016 Incident
November 2015 Incident
Christmas Other
2017-11-22 Publication

Why: In August 2015, Mr Brady said, he was addicted to heroin and on the day of the killing he went to St Joeseph's church in Sligo to see the priest "because he sometimes gives me €20". CNI source report

Case subjects

Keith Brady

Defendant

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan (59) at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo on August 2/3 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty