Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman's life 'ruined forever' after father murdered her partner while she was pregnant
Summary
At the Central Criminal Court, a sentencing hearing was held for Mark Whelan, 48, who was found guilty of murdering Noel 'Noelie' Whelan, 22, on 30 March 2019. Whelan was described as being high on drugs when he stabbed Noel 18 times, severing a carotid artery and penetrating a lung. The jury rejected a defence of intoxication and found him guilty of murder. The court heard that Noel was pregnant with his first child and that his partner, Shannon Whelan, expressed that her life had been "ruined" by the murder. Shannon, who suffered panic attacks and PTSD, could not attend the hearing but wrote that she feels she "died that day" and is trying to stay alive for her daughter. The judge announced that a mandatory life sentence would be imposed when Mark Whelan appears in court on 17 December.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman's life 'ruined forever' after father murdered her partner while she was pregnant. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- March 30, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 17 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-11-15 Publication
Why: She said she suffers panic attacks, has post traumatic stress disorder and no longer feels safe, "because someone I trusted with my life has taken my whole life away. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Ms Justice Tara Burns said she will impose the mandatory term of life imprisonment when the accused appears in court in person on December 17. Sorry for stabbing you." Sergeant Selina Proudfoot told Mr McGinn that as member-in-charge at the station, Whelan was in her care and that she regularly checked in on him with food and water during his detention.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Central Mental Hospital
- was working in Finglas Garda Station
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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