Courts / Galway / Report

Farm murder accused said he gave 'deaf ear' to land partition letters

Summary

Micheal Scott, 58, of Portumna, Co Galway, is on trial for the alleged murder of his aunt, Chrissie Treacy, outside her home in Derryhiney on April 27, 2018. Mr Scott has pleaded not guilty, with his defence arguing the death was a tragic accident, while the prosecution alleges he deliberately ran her over following a long-running land dispute. During testimony, Mr Scott told gardai that his relationship with Ms Treacy was "fine" and that he gave a "deaf ear" to solicitor's letters seeking to partition their jointly owned land because he did not understand how it could be divided. He described Ms Treacy as "decent" and denied serious arguments, stating they only disagreed over minor issues like leaves or dirt. He claimed he did not see Ms Treacy when reversing a JCB teleporter, believing he might have hit a trailer tow bar. Witnesses included Detective Sergeant Paul Duane, who detailed the arrest and interviews, and agricultural consultant Declan McHugh, who testified that Ms Treacy instructed him to lease land and prevent Mr Scott from claiming farm payments for portions of the Derryhiney holding. Expert witness Robin Acheson explained the mechanics of the JCB, noting the handbrake was broken and that sudden direction changes could cause wheel tearout. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Farm murder accused said he gave 'deaf ear' to land partition letters. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 27, 2018 Other
• December 11, 2018 Incident
• April 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-03-09 Publication

Why: Photo: Collins) Michael Scott, who denies murdering his aunt Chrissie Treacy, told gardai that his relationship with Ms Treacy was "fine" and that that he gave a "deaf ear" to solicitor's letters looking to partition the land they jointly owned because he didn't know how the land could be divided. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report