Courts / Clare / Report

Jury to begin deliberating in Limerick murder trial

Date
2013-10-18
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Ennis
County
Clare

Summary

The jury is set to begin deliberations in the Limerick murder trial of John Coughlan, a 33‑year‑old electrician from Pineview Gardens, Moyross. Coughlan pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Daniel Treacy, 35, at Topaz garage, Caherdavin, Ennis Road, on 22 February 2010. The court rejected the plea, and a jury of seven women and five men was sworn in for a two‑week trial. Prosecutor Ms Úna Ni Raifeartaigh SC described the case as complex, noting a planned shooting and a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, while highlighting the earlier killing of Coughlan's brother, Darren, by Treacy's brother. She urged the jury to consider CCTV footage and the accused's alleged hearing voices. Defence counsel Mr Brian McCartney QC argued for diminished responsibility, citing psychiatric evidence of schizophrenia, and urged a manslaughter verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury to begin deliberating in Limerick murder trial. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Daniel Treacy (35) at Topaz garage, Caherdavin, Ennis Road on February 22, 2010. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: "Because of that earlier killing of Darren Coughlan a lot of things are set in motion," said Ms Ni Raifeartaigh. CNI source report

Case subjects

John Coughlan

Applicant

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Daniel Treacy (35) at Topaz garage, Caherdavin, Ennis Road on February 22, 2010 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Ni Raifeartaigh

Applicant

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Pineview Gardens
Address Area
  • Ennis Road

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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