Courts / Westmeath / Report
Mum-of-four jailed for life after she admits murdering two of her children in car fire
Summary
A 49‑year‑old mother, Lynn Eagar, was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to murdering her two children, Thelma (5) and Michael (2), by setting fire to the car they were travelling in. The court heard that Eagar had sent text messages before the incident expressing that she believed the children would no longer suffer. She admitted to placing petrol in the rear footwell of a blue Lexus and igniting it, causing the vehicle to burst into flames. The children died; Eagar sustained minimal burns and was rescued by a passerby. She had no prior convictions and had been in custody since September 2022, later transferred to the Central Mental Hospital. The judge imposed a mandatory life sentence for each count of murder, expressing sympathy for the bereaved family. The summary is 140 words.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Mum-of-four jailed for life after she admits murdering two of her children in car fire. Charges or matters: the murders of Thelma (5) and Michael Dennany (2) at Lackan, Multyfarnham on September 9, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 9, 2022 Other
- 21st September Incident
- September 22 Other
- 2023-11-30 Publication
Why: " He explained that his jurisdiction is limited to the "mandatory sentence of life which I now impose. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murders of Thelma (5) and Michael Dennany (2) at Lackan, Multyfarnham on September 9, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Mr Gillane, representing Ms Eagar, said that this is a case "where there are sensitivities and I am instructed not to put anything of that nature before you." Passing sentence, Mr Justice McDermott said that the court is "not a place where the devastation and loss and grief that is clearly caused by these offences can in any way be diminished. It will do little to reduce the suffering and loss of those here but that is the order of the court." He imposed a life sentence in respect of each count of murder. "I can only express my commiserations to everyone concerned and to all who loved and cherished Thelma and Mikey," he concluded.
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