Courts / Galway / Report
Farmer accused of murdering aunt was facing 'huge' financial problems, trial hears
Summary
Michael Scott, aged 58, denies murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy after a land dispute. He had been renting 40 acres at Kiltormer from Treacy and jointly owned 140 acres at Derryhiney. In early 2017, agricultural consultant Declan McHugh was hired by Treacy to lease the Kiltormer land. Two weeks before Treacy's death in April 2018, McHugh instructed Scott not to request farm payments for three portions of the Derryhiney land, which Treacy intended to claim. McHugh warned that losing 110 acres would reduce Scott's herd by 110 cows and cut EU single farm payments, causing significant financial hardship. The prosecution alleges Scott deliberately ran over Treacy in a tractor; his lawyers claim it was a tragic accident. The case is heard before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of 15. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Farmer accused of murdering aunt was facing 'huge' financial problems, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 26, 2018 Other
- April 27, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 27 Other
- July 2017 Other
- March 2018 Other
- April 26 Other
- April 24 Other
- April 25 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-03-01 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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