Courts / Sligo / Report

Musician's blood on knives found in home, trial hears

Summary

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that blood matching a musician found stabbed to death in his Sligo home was present on two knives recovered from the scene. A forensic scientist told the court that DNA evidence from a knife discovered on the body of Martin Matt Kivlehan, who died on August 3, 2015, matched the deceased. Blood matching Mr Kivlehan was also found on a second knife located in the kitchen. A garda ballistics expert noted the positioning of one knife on the victim's chest and observed two stab wounds, stating he had never encountered a scene where a person had inflicted two such injuries on themselves. Witnesses described Mr Kivlehan as a well-liked man who enjoyed company. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. That plea was rejected and his trial continues before Mr Justice Alex Owens.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Musician's blood on knives found in home, trial hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan (59) at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo on August 2/3 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 3, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 2 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-11-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report