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Limerick man who had murder conviction quashed to be sentenced for manslaughter next month
Summary
Kevin Coughlan, 32, of Limerick, had his murder conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal after a March appeal citing unsatisfactory trial conduct, particularly the changing testimony of Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabber. Dr Jabber had initially suggested the victim, Francis Greene, might have drowned, but later concluded the victim was dead before entering the water and had been strangled. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Seán Ryan, found the trial unsatisfactory and substituted the murder conviction with a manslaughter conviction under the Criminal Procedure Act 1993. No criticism was directed at the prosecution or the trial judge. Coughlan remains remanded in custody until 29 July, when he will appear before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing. The sentencing is scheduled for next month. Kevin Coughlan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Limerick man who had murder conviction quashed to be sentenced for manslaughter next month. Charges or matters: murdering Francis Greene at Steamboat Quay on a date unknown between November 28 and 29 2009. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- November 28 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 22 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- Wednesday July 29 Adjournment
- 2015-06-22 Publication
Why: Moving an appeal against conviction in March, counsel for Coughlan, Anthony Sammon SC, submitted to the Court of Appeal that the trial was unsatisfactory because of Dr Khalid Jabber's evidence, the then Deputy State Pathologist. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: murdering Francis Greene at Steamboat Quay on a date unknown between November 28 and 29 2009 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Patrick J McCarthy on December 22 2011.; Today Coughlan was remanded in custody until Wednesday July 29 at 10.30am to appear before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing.
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