Courts / Sligo / Report
"This is a tragedy": murder trial collapses after "Prime Time" segment
Summary
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has collapsed following broadcast content on RTÉ's Prime Time programme concerning the legal defence of provocation. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart discharged the jury after establishing that five of the twelve jurors had viewed the segment and discussed it during deliberations. Keith Brady, aged 31, from Cartron Estate in Sligo, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin Kivlehan on a date between 2nd and 3rd August 2015 at The New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. The defence had relied partially on provocation. Justice Stewart expressed concern about what she termed "a parallel justice system in the court of public opinion" operating without regard to judicial proceedings. She extended sympathy to the Kivlehan family and remarked that the collapse represented "a tragedy." Brady was remanded to 17th December for a retrial date to be set.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "This is a tragedy": murder trial collapses after "Prime Time" segment. Charges or matters: murdering the 59-year-old, but guilty to his manslaughter at The New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2nd August Hearing Or Sentence
- 3rd August 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 17th Adjournment
- 2018-12-05 Publication
Why: His barrister, Brendan Grehan SC, had said that he satisfied the defence of provocation because he had perceived that the deceased was touching his sister, Janice Brady. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering the 59-year-old, but guilty to his manslaughter at The New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Brady was then remanded to December 17th, when a date will be set for his third trial.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Supreme Court
- Cartron Estate
- Holborn Street
Topics
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