Courts / Clare / Report
Nephew who stamped uncle (78) to death guilty of murder
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a jury unanimously found 34‑year‑old Thomas Lorigan guilty of murdering his 78‑year‑old uncle, John O'Neill, in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Lorigan, who had no fixed abode, was alleged to have stamped O'Neill to death while wearing steel‑capped boots. CCTV footage showed Lorigan delivering calculated kicks and stamping the widower, who had previously run a bed and breakfast with his wife, who died in 2021. A Garda witness testified that O'Neill was severely beaten and left unrecognisable. Blood‑stained boots recovered from a house Lorigan stayed at the night before the body was found contained a mixed DNA profile, including Lorigan's. The prosecution argued the attack was "something personal" with no robbery motive. The jury, after three days of deliberation, returned a unanimous guilty verdict for murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott will hand down a mandatory life sentence on 19 February and remand Lorigan in custody until then. Thomas Lorigan pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Nephew who stamped uncle (78) to death guilty of murder. Charges or matters: murdering John O'Neill (78) at St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 6 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 19 Adjournment
- 2024-02-01 Publication
Why: There was no known motive for the murder but State prosecutors submitted the fact that there was no cash robbery and that family photos were found smashed suggested the killing was "something personal". Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering John O'Neill (78) at St Brendan's Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on a date unknown between January 6 and 7, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice McDermott will hand down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment to Lorigan on February 19 and remanded the defendant in custody until that date.; Mr Justice McDermott will hand down the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment to Lorigan on February 19 and remanded the defendant in custody until that date.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- The Central Criminal Court
- St Brendan's Road
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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