Courts / Limerick / Report

Murder trial hears of moment gardai discovered pensioner's body

Date
2014-01-14

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the court heard that Garda Enda Moroney discovered the body of 71‑year‑old James Boyce at his home on St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, on 7 March 2011. Moroney reported finding blood on the sitting‑room floor and later the lifeless body in the bedroom, with a piece of wood on Boyce's chest and a cut below his right ear. Scratch marks were noted on his shoulder, blood on his right cheek and below his nostrils, and a brush handle and brush head were found near the bed. The scene was declared a crime scene at 19.45. Christopher Stewart McNamara, a neighbour, testified that he saw the accused, Christopher McNamara, enter Boyce's house around midnight. CCTV footage of the accused's movements was shown to the jury. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, is expected to last two weeks. Christopher McNamara pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial hears of moment gardai discovered pensioner's body. Charges or matters: the murder of James Boyce (71) at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park in Limerick between March 6 2011 and March 7 2011. Procedural stage: trial

When:

March 6 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
March 7 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
March 7th 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-01-14 Publication

Case subjects

Christopher McNamara

Defendant

Charges: the murder of James Boyce (71) at St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park in Limerick between March 6 2011 and March 7 2011 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty