Courts / Offaly / Report
Teenager admits to murder of Lorna Woodnutt
Summary
A 17‑year‑old boy, whose name is withheld because he is a minor, pleaded guilty to the murder of Lorna Woodnutt, a woman in her 40s, at a rural property outside Tullamore, Co Offaly, on 29 September 2023. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court on 8 July 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott explained that, as the defendant is under 18, the case is dealt with under The Children's Act and the mandatory life sentence for murder does not apply. The judge read the single charge to the boy, who confirmed he was ready to proceed. Defence counsel James Dwyer SC requested a probation report, a remand period and a sentence date at the end of July. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Michael Delaney SC, noted that a victim impact statement would be presented and that the sentence hearing would last about half a day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teenager admits to murder of Lorna Woodnutt. Charges or matters: the murder of Lorna Woodnutt, aged in her 40s, at a property in a rural area outside Tullamore, Co Offaly on September 29, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 29, 2023 Other
- July 22 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-07-08 Publication
Why: The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, was charged with the murder of Lorna Woodnutt, aged in her 40s, at a property in a rural area outside Tullamore, Co Offaly on September 29, 2023. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Lorna Woodnutt, aged in her 40s, at a property in a rural area outside Tullamore, Co Offaly on September 29, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: As the defendant is a minor, the mandatory life sentence for murder will not apply.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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