Courts / Waterford / Report
Man to be sentenced next week for attempted murder of his elderly mother on her deathbed
Summary
A 47‑year‑old Waterford man, Gerald Vollrath, will be sentenced next week for attempting to murder his 83‑year‑old mother, Vera Vollrath, while she lay in a nursing home. The mother died on 9 January 2012 at Killure Bridge Nursing Home, an outcome that had been expected after a severe stroke and Alzheimer's. Gerald admitted placing a pillow over her face for up to two minutes on the night of 8 January, an act that was later pleaded guilty as attempted murder after the murder charge was dropped. He claimed he acted out of compassion, believing his mother would not want to be a burden and that her death was imminent. The court will consider his admission and the circumstances of his mother's frail state before sentencing. The hearing was adjourned for a week. Gerald Vollrath pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man to be sentenced next week for attempted murder of his elderly mother on her deathbed. Charges or matters: her murder, after he admitted holding a pillow over her face; her murder, but the murder charge against him was dropped in December, and the Austrian resident pleaded guilty to attempted murder instead. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 9, 2012 Other
- May 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 7th Other
- January 8th Other
- January 9th Other
- 2014-02-17 Publication
Why: Paul O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, told the Central Criminal Court today that this was because pathological exams had found no sign of suffocation. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: her murder, after he admitted holding a pillow over her face; her murder, but the murder charge against him was dropped in December, and the Austrian resident pleaded guilty to attempted murder instead (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Carney adjourned sentencing for a week.
Places mentioned
- Tramore
- Tramore Heights
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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