Courts / Ireland / Report

Man who dismembered friend's body asked to speak to family to tell them "the truth"

Summary

In the murder trial of Paul Wells Sr., the Central Criminal Court heard evidence about his shooting and dismemberment of Kenneth O'Brien. Wells, 50, admitted shooting O'Brien dead and dismembering his body but pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. He claimed he had no desire to hurt O'Brien and that the act was forced by pressure. During a six‑hour Garda interview, Wells denied involvement in earlier interviews and stated he had no plan to harm anyone. He also asked to speak with O'Brien's partner or her sister so he could tell them "the truth." The court heard a DVD of the interview, and the trial was scheduled to continue the following afternoon. The proceedings focused on the circumstances of the shooting and Wells' statements to the police.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who dismembered friend's body asked to speak to family to tell them "the truth". Charges or matters: murdering the 33-year-old at his home in Barnamore Park on 15th or 16th January, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 16th January Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-10-24 Publication

Why: "You told Paul that you shot Kenneth in the head, that you had to take a chainsaw to him, because you couldn't carry him," continued the garda. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report