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Teen killer was trying to protect mother from violent, heroin-using ex, court hears
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 19‑year‑old named Alexander Whelan pleaded guilty to manslaughter after stabbing Bruno Rolandi, 56, to death during a domestic dispute. Whelan claimed he acted to protect his mother, Mary, who had a volatile relationship with Rolandi, a violent heroin user. Witnesses described a confrontation over a WiFi password that escalated into physical aggression, with Rolandi assaulting Whelan's brother and attempting to grab Mary. Whelan then stabbed Rolandi three times, one wound reaching 23 cm and causing fatal bleeding. He was found in shock, attempting to stop the bleeding, and cooperated fully with Gardaí. The court noted Whelan's lack of prior convictions, his young age, and his good character, and the judge was instructed to consider a custodial sentence as a last resort. The case was scheduled for sentencing on March 2.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen killer was trying to protect mother from violent, heroin-using ex, court hears. Charges or matters: manslaughter at the earliest opportunity and has no previous convictions, nor has he previously come to the attention of gardai. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 19, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2017 Incident
- March 2 Incident
- 2013 and 2017 Incident
- 2020-02-03 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: manslaughter at the earliest opportunity and has no previous convictions, nor has he previously come to the attention of gardai (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He asked the judge to take into account Mr Whelan's young age at the time of the offence and his good character and to consider a custodial sentence as an option of last resort. Mr Justice White said he would sentence Mr Whelan on March 2.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Green Road
- Green Road
- Edenderry
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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