Courts / Limerick / Report

Murder jury asked to consider nature of injuries inflicted on "defenceless pensioner"

Summary

In a 2014 Limerick murder case, Christopher McNamara, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of 71‑year‑old James Boyce. The prosecution urged the jury to consider the severe injuries inflicted on Boyce, who was beaten and strangled with a stick, including a fractured Adam's apple that could have caused death even in a healthy person. The State Pathologist, Marie Cassidy, confirmed the neck injuries were fatal. The prosecutor also highlighted a confession made by McNamara to his mother, Pauline Whelan, and the lack of any attempt to call for help after the assault. McNamara's defense counsel requested a verdict of manslaughter, arguing the case resembled a robbery gone wrong and that the accused was not in a state of mind to commit murder. Judge Garrett Sheehan was to address the jury before deliberation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder jury asked to consider nature of injuries inflicted on "defenceless pensioner". 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 Incident
• March 7 2011 Incident
• 2014-01-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report