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Reserved judgment in Wicklow murder appeal

Summary

The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgement on an appeal by Thomas O'Connor, 26, who was jailed for life for murdering John O'Brien, 22, in 2010. O'Connor struck O'Brien with a 1.6‑kg rock after a night of drinking, causing catastrophic head injuries. He admitted the killing to Gardaí but pleaded not guilty. In December 2011 a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty. The appeal argues the trial judge erred in ruling no self‑defence evidence existed; the court will reserve its decision.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Reserved judgment in Wicklow murder appeal. Charges or matters: murdering Mr O'Brien at Farrankelly Road, Delgany; murder by the unanimous verdict of a Central Criminal Court jury. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• June 4, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-06-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report