Courts / Galway / Report

Judge continues to charge jury in farm dispute murder trial

Summary

In the trial of Michael Scott, a farmer accused of murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt, Judge Caroline Biggs has continued her charge for a second day. She has spent about eight hours explaining the evidence and the legal principles the 15‑person jury must apply. The judge clarified that to find Scott guilty of murder, the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or seriously injure his aunt when he ran over her. If they are not satisfied, they may return a verdict of manslaughter by gross negligence, or acquit him if an accident is reasonably possible. Scott, 58, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges he deliberately reversed over his aunt following a long‑running land dispute, while his lawyers claim it was a tragic accident. The judge will resume her charge on Friday, after which three jurors will be discharged, leaving 12 to decide the verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge continues to charge jury in farm dispute murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering his aunt Christina 'Chrissie' Treacy Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 27, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-03-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report