Courts / Dublin / Report

Teen admits to murder following series of landmark Supreme Court rulings on child sentencing

Date
2025-03-14

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

A 19‑year‑old pleaded guilty to murdering Aaron Keating on 13 June 2023 in Dublin. The defendant, who was a child when the offence was committed, is no longer subject to a mandatory life sentence because a Supreme Court ruling last year removed the mandatory life rule for those who were under 18 at the time of the crime, regardless of their current age. A further Supreme Court decision yesterday overturned a Court of Appeal ruling that a child could be identified if they turned 18 during proceedings, so the defendant's name cannot be released. The defendant had previously sought to halt the proceedings after turning 18, fearing a mandatory life sentence. After the guilty plea, senior counsel James Dwyer said the mandatory regime does not apply and a full sentencing hearing is required. Seamus Clarke SC represented the defendant, who had no prior convictions.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen admits to murder following series of landmark Supreme Court rulings on child sentencing. Charges or matters: murdering a man on a Dublin street, following a Supreme Court ruling last year that, despite now reaching adulthood, he will not face a mandatory life sentence because he was a child when he committed the offence; the murder of Aaron Keating on June 13, 2023 at Main Street, Ongar, Dublin 15. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

June 13, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
June 30 Adjournment
June 13 Adjournment
2025-03-14 Publication

Why: A 19-year-old has today pleaded guilty to murdering a man on a Dublin street, following a Supreme Court ruling last year that, despite now reaching adulthood, he will not face a mandatory life sentence because he was a child when he committed the offence. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 19-year-old

Appellant

Charges: murdering a man on a Dublin street, following a Supreme Court ruling last year that, despite now reaching adulthood, he will not face a mandatory life sentence because he was a child when he committed the offence; the murder of Aaron Keating on June 13, 2023 at Main Street, Ongar, Dublin 15 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: A 19-year-old has today pleaded guilty to murdering a man on a Dublin street, following a Supreme Court ruling last year that, despite now reaching adulthood, he will not face a mandatory life sentence because he was a child when he committed the offence.; Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded the defendant in custody until a sentencing hearing on June 30.