Courts / Limerick / Report
Limerick uncle and nephew jailed for life for Gerard McMahon murder
Summary
In a Limerick murder case, Seán Flanagan (28) and his uncle Paul Colbert (46) were sentenced to life imprisonment for the January 18, 2012 stabbing of Gerard McMahon (43) near their home on Lenihan Avenue. The trial, lasting four weeks, found the pair guilty after evidence showed McMahon was attacked from behind while climbing the steps to his cousin's house. Flanagan admitted to stabbing McMahon with a knife, while Colbert claimed to have used a hatchet. Both denied premeditation, citing fear and provocation. A third nephew, Ian Flanagan (24), was convicted of assisting the offenders by hiding their CCTV device, which had been removed from the house and later recovered in a neighbour's property. The jury, after nearly 11 hours of deliberation over three days, returned unanimous guilty verdicts. The sentencing judge imposed a mandatory life sentence on both men, and Ian Flanagan was remanded in custody pending his own sentencing. Seán Flanagan pleaded not guilty. Ian Flanagan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Limerick uncle and nephew jailed for life for Gerard McMahon murder. Charges or matters: two counts of assisting an offender by hiding their CCTV device. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- January 18, 2012 Other
- 2013-12-03 Publication
Why: He explained that provocation could reduce murder to manslaughter. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: two counts of assisting an offender by hiding their CCTV device (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; The hurt and pain will stay with us for the rest of our lives," she continued. "Maybe now our brother can rest in peace." Colbert and Seán Flanagan nodded as Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan imposed the mandatory life sentence on them.; He remanded Ian Flanagan in custody for sentencing next Wednesday.
Convicted Person
Charges: two counts of assisting an offender by hiding their CCTV device (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; The hurt and pain will stay with us for the rest of our lives," she continued. "Maybe now our brother can rest in peace." Colbert and Seán Flanagan nodded as Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan imposed the mandatory life sentence on them.; He remanded Ian Flanagan in custody for sentencing next Wednesday.
Places mentioned
- Lenihan Avenue
- CCTV drive
- Hyde Road
- Lenihan Avenue
- The Central Criminal Court
Topics
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