Courts / Galway / Report

Farm murder trial jury to continue deliberating for fourth day

Summary

The jury in the trial of Michael Scott, aged 58, will return to the Central Criminal Court for a fourth day of deliberations. Scott denies murdering his 76‑year‑old aunt, Christina 'Chrissie' Treacy, by driving an agricultural teleporter over her outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, on 27 April 2018. The prosecution alleges that Scott deliberately reversed over Ms Treacy following a long‑running land dispute. Scott's lawyers claim the death was a tragic accident. Justice Caroline Biggs told the jury that while there is no doubt that Scott caused the death, a murder verdict requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or seriously injure her at the time or the instant before. If intent is doubtful, the jury must acquit of murder and consider manslaughter, requiring proof of gross negligence. If the prosecution fails to meet either standard, the jury must acquit. Michael Scott pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Farm murder trial jury to continue deliberating for fourth day. Charges or matters: murdering his aunt Christina 'Chrissie' Treacy outside her home in Derryhiney, Portumna, Co Galway on April 27, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 27, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas 2017 Other
• 2023-03-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• 12.5 years for man who repeatedly raped and abused 'innocent and vulnerable' partner's niece
• 'Thuggish' farmer who drove over elderly aunt with teleporter has manslaughter sentence cut
• Killer Farmer who drove over aunt appeals six-year sentence
• 'No compassion': Killer Farmer who drove over aunt jailed for six years
• Farmer who subjected aunt to 'mental torture' before manslaughter spends first night in prison
• Farmer who ran over vulnerable aunt (76) during land dispute is cleared of murder by jury

Read the original CNI report