Courts / Galway / Report

Talented runner (38) stabbed to death by former lover (67)

Date
2019-11-11

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Galway

County
Galway

Summary

The Central Criminal Court heard that Christopher McGrath, aged 38, was stabbed to death on 12 March 2017 at the home of Noel Lenihan, a 67‑year‑old martial arts instructor from Mervue, Galway. McGrath had previously been in an intimate relationship with Lenihan and had been staying at Lenihan's house after failing to secure a room at a homeless shelter. Lenihan was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on 12 March 2017. He claimed he stabbed McGrath in self‑defence after a struggle in which McGrath had allegedly threatened to choke him. Acting State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan found five knife wounds, including a fatal frontal wound to the heart. Lenihan accepted responsibility, expressed remorse, and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court considered his age, ill‑health, previous good character and remorse before sentencing, which was scheduled for 25 November.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Talented runner (38) stabbed to death by former lover (67). Charges or matters: murder but pleaded guilty earlier this year to his manslaughter on March 12, 2017 at Lenihan's home; manslaughter on the grounds that he had acted in self defence but used excessive force. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 12, 2017 Other
March 12 Other
November 25 Other
2019-11-11 Publication

Why: Inspector Coppinger explained that the deceased may, at that time, have been homeless and had a history of difficulties with drugs and alcohol. CNI source report

Case subjects

Noel Lenihan

Background Person

Charges: murder but pleaded guilty earlier this year to his manslaughter on March 12, 2017 at Lenihan's home; manslaughter on the grounds that he had acted in self defence but used excessive force (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Mr Justice White said he wants to put Mr McGrath at the centre of the sentence hearing.