Courts / Clare / Report
Mother tells court of pain of knowing son's killer was free for four years
Summary
At a sentencing hearing on 13 March 2023, Sharon Higgins, mother of 19‑year‑old Jamie Higgins, spoke of the pain of knowing that his killer, Nathan O'Neill, had remained free for more than four years after the 2018 nightclub stabbing. Higgins described her son as a loving, generous father and expressed her ongoing grief and health struggles. O'Neill, aged 24, had been tried twice for murder, was acquitted on the first trial and found guilty of manslaughter and causing serious harm to Michael Shannon on the night of 18 March 2018. The court heard that O'Neill had previous convictions for knife possession, threatening a security guard and criminal damage. O'Neill admitted responsibility, expressed remorse, and said he would never forget the impact on the family. Judge Paul Burns adjourned sentencing until 24 April.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mother tells court of pain of knowing son's killer was free for four years. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Jamie Higgins at the Shannon Knights nighclub in Shannon, Co Clare in the early hours of March 18, 2018; causing serious harm to Michael Shannon on the same date at the same place; possession of the knife. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 18, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 25, 2017 Incident
- April 24 Adjournment
- Christmas Other
- 2023-03-13 Publication
Why: "I can't touch it because I can't accept he is not there any more," she said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Background Person
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Jamie Higgins at the Shannon Knights nighclub in Shannon, Co Clare in the early hours of March 18, 2018; causing serious harm to Michael Shannon on the same date at the same place; possession of the knife (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Connolly, for the prosecution, told the court that the offence should fall in the higher band of culpability and should therefore attract a pre-mitigation sentence of between ten and 15 years.; Mr Justice Paul Burns said he has a lot to consider and adjourned sentencing until April 24.
Places mentioned
- Hill Top Drive
- Limerick
Topics
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