Courts / Limerick / Report

Murderer fails in appeal brought 15 years ago after conviction

Summary

Gerard Hayes, 53, of Limerick, was convicted of murdering 20‑year‑old John Robinson at John Carew Park on 22 or 23 January 2000. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty and he received a mandatory life sentence in March 2003. Fifteen years later, Hayes brought an appeal against his conviction. The Court of Criminal Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, dismissed the appeal. The court noted that Hayes had not sought leave from the trial judge to appeal, had delayed the appeal process, and had not requested a transcript of the original trial in a timely manner. The original stenographic record and tapes had been destroyed, and the court found no evidence that the trial was unsatisfactory or that the conviction was unsafe. Consequently, the appeal was rejected. The case remains at the conviction stage. Gerard Hayes pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murderer fails in appeal brought 15 years ago after conviction. Charges or matters: the murder of 20-year-old John Robinson at John Carew Park on January 22 or 23, 2000. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• January 22 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 2003 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-06-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report