Courts / Galway / Report
Woman who killed partner is sent back to prison
Summary
Maura Thornton, 38, of Inverin, Connemara, was returned to prison for two months after breaching the conditions of her release. She had been sentenced in 2013 to ten years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of her former partner Kevin Joyce, 59, outside her Salthill apartment on 3 July 2011, with the final three years suspended. Thornton failed to appear at a Central Criminal Court hearing where Judge Paul McDermott was to address her non‑compliance with the suspended sentence's conditions, including a prohibition on alcohol. A bench warrant was issued for her arrest. The judge noted that Thornton had admitted to drinking, partly due to isolation during Covid‑19 restrictions, and described her life as chaotic. He ordered a psychiatric assessment and probation report, remanding her in custody for two months without activating the suspended portion of her sentence. The case is scheduled for a hearing on 23 November.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman who killed partner is sent back to prison. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of her former partner Kevin Joyce (59) outside her apartment in Salthill in Galway on July 3, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- July 3, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 23 Adjournment
- 2020-10-09 Publication
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: the manslaughter of her former partner Kevin Joyce (59) outside her apartment in Salthill in Galway on July 3, 2011 (Proven)
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; She was due to appear at the Central Criminal Court this week, where Mr Justice McDermott wished to deal with her failure to adhere to the conditions of her suspended sentence. The judge remanded Ms Thornton in custody for two months without activating the suspended part of her sentence.; The judge remanded Ms Thornton in custody for two months without activating the suspended part of her sentence.
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