Courts / Cork / Report
Killer who repeatedly dropped couch on defenceless victim's head gets 13 years
Summary
Andrew Nash, 43, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to manslaughter for the death of John Ustic, 51, on 24 or 25 September 2023 in Skibbereen. Nash, a father of five, had repeatedly dropped a couch on Ustic's head during a "vicious and sustained" assault, causing blunt‑force trauma to the head, chest and neck. The victim was reportedly in a comatose state and heavily intoxicated, which limited his ability to defend himself. Nash apologized to Ustic's family, the court, gardai and ambulance crew, expressing deep shame and remorse. The judge noted Nash's efforts to address alcoholism and his desire to work and be a better family person upon release. The sentence reflects the high culpability and violence of the attack.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Killer who repeatedly dropped couch on defenceless victim's head gets 13 years. Charges or matters: manslaughter four days into his trial earlier this year, where he had been accused of murdering John Ustic (51). Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 24 Other
- 2023-07-21 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: manslaughter four days into his trial earlier this year, where he had been accused of murdering John Ustic (51) (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The State accepted his plea and Mr Justice Michael MacGrath today passed sentence on Nash, who had told others that Mr Ustic had been "at his mother". Mr Justice MacGrath imposed a sentence of 14 years with the final 12 months suspended for two years on the condition that Nash work with the probation services.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- High Street
- Skibbereen
- High Street
Topics
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