Courts / Dublin / Report
Husband who claimed wife stabbed herself to death is jailed for life
Summary
Renato Gehlen, 39, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Anne Colomines, 37. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath imposed the mandatory life term after a unanimous jury convicted Gehlen of killing Ms Colomines at their home in Dublin 1 on October 25, 2017. The judge described the crime as "terrifying and horrific," noting the added distress caused by Gehlen's claim that his wife stabbed herself. The court heard victim impact statements from Ms Colomines' mother, Danielle Gallard, father, Jean-Louis Colomines, and sister, Alexandra, who described her as a "beautiful, intelligent woman" who loved life. During the trial, State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that it was "highly unlikely" Ms Colomines inflicted the fatal injuries on herself, pointing to defensive wounds on her hands. Prosecution counsel argued Gehlen acted out of "toxic masculinity" to control the end of their marriage. In mitigation, defence counsel presented reports describing Gehlen as a model prisoner who completed courses including "Alternatives to Violence." The judge extended condolences to the Colomines family, acknowledging their dignity in the face of the tragedy.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Husband who claimed wife stabbed herself to death is jailed for life. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- October 25, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 10 Other
- 2021-10-22 Publication
Why: " When asked about Gehlen's attempt to blame Anne for her own death, she said: "We couldn't believe him because we know Anne very well. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Photo: Collins) by Eoin Reynolds Renato Gehlen has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the "terrifying and horrific" murder of his wife Anne Colomines, who was described today in court as a "beautiful, intelligent woman" who loved life. Mr Justice Michael MacGrath sentenced Gehlen to the mandatory life term after hearing statements written by the Anne's mother Danielle Gallard, sister Alexandra, father Jean-Louis Colomines and other family members.
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