Courts / Waterford / Report
Mother-of-four who killed grandfather tells judge she is "ashamed"
Summary
Joanna Kelly, 40, and Michelle Hynes, 41, both without fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien, a 60‑year‑old Waterford resident, at a party in April 2012. The killing occurred in an apartment on William Street where Patrick Keating, who is serving a life sentence for the murder, struck O'Brien with a dumbbell. Kelly and Hynes joined in, kicking the victim while he was defenseless. Detective Garda David Butler testified that five people were drinking that night and that the assault was partly triggered by O'Brien's remarks about oral sex and childhood anecdotes. Both defendants had numerous prior convictions for assault, theft and other offences. Kelly wrote a letter to the judge expressing shame, refusing to drink again, and acknowledging the lasting impact of her actions. The court heard that she had a history of depression, attempted suicide and had been in care for alcohol addiction.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mother-of-four who killed grandfather tells judge she is "ashamed". Charges or matters: the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 23, 2012 Other
- 2013-12-13 Publication
Why: "Alcohol is no excuse for causing harm to anybody and because of my actions and where it (alcohol) has lead me I will never consume another drink again," she said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Joanna Kelly (40) wrote a letter to Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, which was read to the court on her behalf at a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court today.
Defendant
Charges: the manslaughter of Joe O'Brien (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A third person, 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.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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