Courts / Cork / Report
Man admits murdering grandmother (72) whose body was found in burning car
Summary
Michael Leonard, 63, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering 72‑year‑old Mary O'Keeffe in Doneraile, Co. Cork, on 4 February 2021. His body was found in a burning car. Leonard was denied bail and remains in custody. The court adjourned sentencing to 14 December to allow the family to give an impact statement. No evidence of the murder was heard at the arraignment. Leonard, a former Coillte employee, stated he would not approach any witness or speak to anyone about the case except his solicitor. The post‑mortem, conducted by Assistant State Pathologist Margaret Bolster, was not released. O'Keeffe, a cook from Dromahane, is survived by her three sons. The case is pending sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man admits murdering grandmother (72) whose body was found in burning car. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- February 4 Adjournment
- December 14 Adjournment
- February 4, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 5 Other
- 2022-11-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Outcome: The court did not hear any evidence regarding the murder as Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned sentencing until December 14, when Ms O'Keefe's family will have an opportunity to make an impact statement.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Cork University Hospital
Topics
Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Fund seeks orders requiring alleged trespassers to vacate Kerry home
- 'Emotionally manipulative man' burned woman alive after becoming 'obsessed'
- Man accused of murdering grandmother found in burning car is refused bail
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request