Courts / Limerick / Report

Murder accused said deceased was "like a granddad" to him

Summary

In a 2014 Limerick murder trial, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of James Boyce, 71, which occurred between 6 and 7 March 2011. Witnesses testified that on the night of the murder McNamara was seen carrying a large sum of money in fifty‑euro notes, with one witness estimating the amount at €3,325. McNamara was also observed carrying a bandage on his wrist and later described Boyce as "like a granddad" to him, claiming the death would affect him badly. He allegedly bought a car for €1,100 the following day, though he did not disclose the source of the funds. CCTV footage showed McNamara holding fifty‑euro notes at an electrical store and attaching licence plates to a Toyota Corolla. The case proceeded before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said deceased was "like a granddad" to him. 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
• Monday March 7th 2011 Other
• March 7th 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 7th Other
• 2014-01-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Manager at global IT firm denies company 'lied' about position of former Irish employee
• High Court refuses to surrender Limerick man wanted for alleged human trafficking in Greece
• Tipperary man admits attempted murder
• Volunteer who said he was sacked for warning Church officials of 'rogue' relic traders can't pursue case, WRC rules
• Appearance of tips machine in cafe that pulled in €5k unexplained, tribunal notes
• 'You've to get the morning after pill': man who was 18 when he raped girl (15) gets seven years

Read the original CNI report