Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Woman revoked alibi for fire killer after he began relationship with other woman

Date
2022-06-20
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Castlecomer
County
Kilkenny

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a woman who had earlier given her partner an alibi for a fatal 2006 fire in Co. Kilkenny later changed her statement after the accused, Martin Kelly, began a relationship with another woman. The court heard that Kelly, now 35, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Gerard "Gerry" Nolan, 44, who died when his mobile home was set on fire. The hearing included victim impact statements from Nolan's family, describing the traumatic loss and ongoing grief. The court also heard details of the investigation, including the accused's denial of involvement, the identification parade, and the lack of direct forensic evidence linking Kelly to the fire. The judge remanded Kelly in custody pending sentencing. The summary reflects only the facts presented in the article.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman revoked alibi for fire killer after he began relationship with other woman. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Gerard 'Gerry' Nolan (44) on July 24, 2006, at Deerpark, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Martin Kelly

Accused

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Gerard 'Gerry' Nolan (44) on July 24, 2006, at Deerpark, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Kelly in custody until next Monday, when he will be sentenced.; Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Kelly in custody until next Monday, when he will be sentenced.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
  • The Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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