Courts / Sligo / Report

Jury must consider if murder accused was too intoxicated to form intent

Summary

A jury at the Central Criminal Court is to consider whether a 30-year-old man from Sligo was too intoxicated to form the intention to murder when he inflicted fatal stab wounds to the neck of a 59-year-old man in August 2015. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for his role in the death of Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The State rejected his manslaughter plea. In closing arguments, the prosecution contended that despite evidence of severe intoxication, Mr Brady retained sufficient capacity to engage in deliberate actions before and after the stabbing, suggesting he possessed murderous intent. The defence argued that his intoxication and troubled background prevented him from forming such intention and that a manslaughter verdict was appropriate. The judge instructed the jury that they must determine whether Mr Brady was so affected by drink and drugs that he could not have intended to kill or cause serious injury. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will continue his charge to the jury today.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury must consider if murder accused was too intoxicated to form intent. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to manslaughter for his part in the death of 59-year-old Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 2 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 2015 Incident
• 2017-11-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report