Courts / Galway / Report

Farmer said 'I can't deal with this' and grabbed shotgun after running over aunt, trial hears

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, farmer Michael Scott, aged 58, is accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Christine Treacy after a long‑running land dispute. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately ran over Treacy with his agricultural teleporter outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. Witness Francis Hardiman, a neighbour and cousin of Treacy, testified that after the incident Scott was hysterical, crying and shouting "I can't deal with this" and that he later grabbed a double‑barrel shotgun from his jeep. Hardiman described Scott's emotional state and the scene where Treacy's body was found lying face‑down on concrete near the teleporter, with tyre marks on her trousers. The defence maintains that Treacy's death was a tragic accident, while the prosecution seeks a murder conviction based on intent. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of fifteen. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Farmer said 'I can't deal with this' and grabbed shotgun after running over aunt, trial hears. Charges or matters: her murder on April 27, 2018 outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 27, 2018 Other
• 2023-01-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report