Courts / Wexford / Report

Murder accused was out on Christmas leave from prison when he became embroiled in fatal fight, trial hears

Summary

The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of James Connors, 29, of Rosemount, Drinagh, Co Wexford, who has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of 27-year-old James Ryan at Hollyville Heights in Wexford Town on January 25, 2012. Defence counsel Michael Delaney SC informed the jury that both parties agreed to submit evidence regarding Connors's imprisonment at Wheatfield Prison in 2011. It was stated that Connors was granted temporary leave for Christmas 2011 but failed to return to prison on December 28. Prosecution witness Samantha Hore, who dated Connors for ten years before breaking up in 2010, testified that she later began a relationship with Ryan. She alleged Connors threatened to harm anyone she moved on with and described a confrontation on the night of the incident where Ryan returned to their apartment with chest stab wounds. Hore also claimed Connors had stabbed Ryan twice approximately three weeks prior. Under cross-examination, Hore admitted Ryan was carrying a baton with metal studs and had chased Connors, details she initially omitted. Defence counsel suggested Hore exaggerated her account to prejudice Connors. Neighbours testified to seeing a man hiding in bushes outside the apartment before the argument. The matter is currently at the sentence stage, though the trial continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused was out on Christmas leave from prison when he became embroiled in fatal fight, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of 27-year-old James Ryan at Hollyville Heights in Wexford Town on January 25, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 25, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 28 Other
• January 2012 Other
• January 24 Other
• Christmas Other
• Christmas 2011 Other
• 2015-12-01 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report