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Murder accused told gardai he was defending himself when he struck deceased

Summary

Maurice Boland, 36, of Bridgeview Close, Tallow, Co Waterford, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of 26‑year‑old Cian Gallagher, a construction worker, who died on 10 November 2022 after a fall on 2 November. Boland told detectives he was defending himself when he struck Gallagher, who had his hands up and was backing away, as shown by CCTV. He claimed he hit Gallagher once, that the man was intoxicated, and that the fall caused a traumatic brain injury leading to death. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that Gallagher's blood alcohol level was high and that the injuries were consistent with a fall onto the back of the head. The trial is set to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eight men and four women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he was defending himself when he struck deceased. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Cian Gallagher (26) at Barrack Street in Tallow on November 10, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 10, 2022 Other
• November 2 Incident
• November 10 Incident
• 2024-04-15 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report