Courts / Galway / Report
Farm murder accused was 'enraged' by letter over land divide, trial hears
Summary
Michael Scott, 58, denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt Chrissie Treacy. He was said to have been "enraged" when a letter from her solicitor suggested a land division at their jointly owned farm in Derryhiney, Portumna. Witness Joseph Carty testified that Scott reacted angrily, saying "this will end badly." Scott later told Gardaí he was "in fair debt," having spent about €120,000 on sheds, a silo and fencing. State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Treacy died almost instantaneously, within seconds, of being run over by an agricultural teleporter, with no evidence of assault before the crush injuries. The trial heard that the farm was held as tenants in common, with each party owning 50 % of every blade of grass. The case continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Farm murder accused was 'enraged' by letter over land divide, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 2017 Incident
- April 27, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 4, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014 to 2018 Incident
- 2023-03-02 Publication
Why: Mr Scott said he didn't want to bid on the land because he didn't like the auctioneer Declan McHugh, who had previously been an adviser to Mr Scott. CNI source report
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
- Scott came to Loughrea Garda Station
- Loughrea
Topics
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