Courts / Dublin / Report

Teenager breaks down as tells trial of finding mother's body

Date
2020-10-09

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, teenage son Denis Carroll, aged 18, broke down while testifying about his mother Amanda Carroll's death. He described finding her unresponsive in her bedroom on 21 October 2020, noting her puffy cheek, coldness, and lack of breathing. Carroll had been in a long‑term relationship with Sean Nolan, 36, who was accused of murdering her. Denis recalled earlier incidents of the couple's volatile, alcohol‑driven arguments, including a confrontation over Nolan's ex‑partner. He also mentioned that Nolan had threatened to leave the apartment and that Carroll had tried to retrieve keys from him. Denis's testimony highlighted the suddenness of the death and his emotional distress, as he smashed his iPhone and cried during the hearing. The trial, presided over by Justice Michael MacGrath, continues with a jury hearing the case of Nolan's murder plea. The proceedings are expected to last up to three weeks. Sean Nolan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teenager breaks down as tells trial of finding mother's body. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his partner Ms Carroll (33) at Homestead Court, Quarry Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 on October 21, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 21, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
May 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
Saturday October 20 Other
October 21 Other
2020-10-09 Publication

Case subjects

Sean Nolan

Accused

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his partner Ms Carroll (33) at Homestead Court, Quarry Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 on October 21, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty