Courts / Waterford / Report
Two women to be sentenced for killing of grandfather Joe O'Brien
Summary
In Waterford, Joanna Kelly (40) and Michelle Hynes (41), both without fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien, a 60‑year‑old grandfather, at a party in an apartment on William Street on 23 April 2012. Patrick Keating, who used a dumbbell to strike O'Brien's head, is serving a life sentence for the murder. Detective Garda David Butler testified that five people were drinking in the apartment that night and that O'Brien was found lying on the floor after Keating struck him. Kelly and Hynes joined the assault, kicking the victim while he was defenseless. The detective noted that the assault may have been triggered by O'Brien's reference to oral sex and comments about Hynes's childhood. Both defendants have extensive criminal records and have been in custody since their arrest. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned the hearing of Kelly's submissions until Friday and will impose sentences before Christmas.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Two women to be sentenced for killing of grandfather Joe O'Brien. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 23, 2012 Other
- Christmas Other
- 2013-12-09 Publication
Why: Then, looking at the defendants, she said: "May God forgive you because we never will. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Unless it can bring our Dad back, it's of no use to us." Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned hearing submissions on behalf of Kelly until Friday and said he will impose sentences before Christmas.; Unless it can bring our Dad back, it's of no use to us." Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned hearing submissions on behalf of Kelly until Friday and said he will impose sentences before Christmas.
Accused
Charges: the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A third accused, Patrick Keating, is serving a life sentence for murdering the 60-year-old at an apartment on William Street in the city on April 23, 2012.; Unless it can bring our Dad back, it's of no use to us." Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned hearing submissions on behalf of Kelly until Friday and said he will impose sentences before Christmas.
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