Courts / Waterford / Report

Murder accused told gardai he "fought back" after farmer (90) hit him

Date
2019-02-27

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

In the trial of Ross Outram, a 28‑year‑old from Clonmel, the jury heard that he claimed to have "fought back" after a 90‑year‑old retired farmer, Paddy Lyons, was found beaten to death in his home. Outram told Gardaí that he had gone to Lyons' house looking for money, but denied any intent to murder or seriously harm Lyons. He said Lyons had struck him with a walking stick and shovel, and that he had not killed Lyons, who he claimed was still alive when he left the house. A pathologist testified that Lyons suffered multiple blows to his head and neck, and his body was found slumped in his armchair. The case was presented to the Central Criminal Court on the sixth day of the trial, with the jury hearing medical evidence and Outram's statements from several Garda interviews. The unnamed 90-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he "fought back" after farmer (90) hit him. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Lyons at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, at a time unknown between February 23 and 26, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 23 Hearing Or Sentence
February 27 Other
February 24 Other
2019-02-27 Publication

Why: "I think the reason I hit him was because every time I took something off him, he would pick up something else and hit me with it again," he added. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 90-year-old

Defendant

Charges: murdering Mr Lyons at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, at a time unknown between February 23 and 26, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty