Courts / Dublin / Report

Brother and sister murdered 63-year-old man to cover-up robbery, prosecution tells jury

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Kenneth Cummins (28) and Sabrina Cummins (37) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas Horan (63) on 6 January. Prosecutor Remy Farrell alleged the pair entered Horan's Ringsend home early that morning to rob him, then killed him to conceal the robbery. He described Horan as severely beaten, with a rope around his neck, a bag over his head, and an attempted poisoning with cleaning fluid. Evidence would show head, neck and chest injuries consistent with a savage beating. The Cumminses were arrested two days after Horan's body was discovered. A 999 call by Joanna, later identified as Sabrina Cummins, reported the body to authorities. Garda Ciaran Sweeney, on patrol at 5 am, met the accused and noted her claim that Horan was a "foster father" to her. Kenneth Cummins was absent from the trial by request, a decision the judge accepted without prejudice. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brother and sister murdered 63-year-old man to cover-up robbery, prosecution tells jury. Charges or matters: murdering Thomas Horan (63) at Cambridge Court, Ringsend on January 6th last year. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 6th Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-10-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report