Courts / Kilkenny / Report
Cold case review sees arsonist jailed for 11 years
Summary
In a 2022 Central Criminal Court hearing, Martin Kelly, aged 35, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for manslaughter after he set fire to Gerry Nolan's mobile home in 2006, killing Nolan. The court noted Kelly's 196 prior convictions, including 10 for criminal damage, and his high risk of reoffending. Kelly pleaded guilty to manslaughter, admitting gross recklessness. The judge highlighted the devastating impact on Nolan's family, who had endured 16 years of unresolved grief. The sentence included an 18‑month suspended portion, to be served over three years, contingent on education and addiction support. The case stemmed from a cold‑case review that uncovered new evidence, including a changed alibi statement from a former partner. The sentencing reflected the seriousness of the offence and Kelly's acceptance of responsibility. Martin Kelly pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cold case review sees arsonist jailed for 11 years. 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:
- July 24, 2006 Incident
- November 2, 2021 Incident
- November 2021 Incident
- July 24 2006 Other
- July 24 Incident
- July 31 Other
- 2022-06-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
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: The Central Criminal Court heard during last week's sentence hearing of Martin Kelly that William Nolan pleaded with his brother to get out of the mobile home as it "melted away" but could only hear Gerry Nolan say: "I'm not able". Kelly was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison with the final 18 months suspended for a period of three years on condition he avail of education and addiction support.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- State. The Central Criminal Court
- Church Avenue
- Castlecomer
- Kilkenny
- Mr Nolan's house
- Midlands Prison
- Cloverhill Prison
Topics
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