Courts / Offaly / Report
Teen who killed mother's violent, heroin-using ex is jailed
Summary
Alexander Whelan, aged 19, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of Bruno Rolandi, 56, who was a former partner of Whelan's mother and a heroin user. The killing occurred during a domestic dispute at the Whelan family home on Green Road, Edenderry, on 19 November 2017. Whelan introduced a knife into the argument and used substantial force, inflicting three wounds, one of which penetrated 23 centimetres, damaged the heart and caused fatal bleeding. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court. The judge, Mr Justice Michael White, noted that the introduction of a deadly weapon and the violence of the blows were aggravating factors, but also considered Whelan's previously excellent character, lack of prior convictions, and the circumstances of defending his mother and brother. The sentence was reduced from an initial six‑year recommendation to two years, with no part suspended, as Whelan was not a drug user and had no history of violence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen who killed mother's violent, heroin-using ex is jailed. Charges or matters: the offence; 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
- 2013 and 2017 Incident
- 2020-03-02 Publication
Why: " He set a headline sentence of six years imprisonment but because of the extenuating circumstances he said he would discount that and impose a sentence of two years. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the offence; 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 did not see any point in suspending any part of the sentence as Mr Whelan is not a drug user and does not require rehabilitation as he has no history of violence. Mr Whelan's mother broke down in tears as he was lead away by prison guards to begin his sentence.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Green Road
- Green Road
- Edenderry
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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