Courts / Mayo / Report

Murder accused claimed mother 'went a bid mad' and struck herself with knife, ex-partner tells trial

Summary

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that Nigel Canavan told his then-wife his mother "went a bit mad" and struck herself with a knife before her death. Mr Canavan, aged 39, of Erris Gardens, Crossmolina, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Angela Canavan at her home in County Sligo on 1 May 2023. The prosecution alleges fatal violence and manual strangulation caused her death. Claire Conroy, Mr Canavan's former spouse, testified that he described his mother swinging her cane and becoming aggressive during an altercation. He said he went upstairs and later heard thuds before discovering her dead. A friend, John Gannon, told the court Mr Canavan telephoned him that evening in distress and later asked him to corroborate a story about discussing hurling rather than disclosing details of his mother's death. Mr Gannon said he instead told gardai the truth. The trial continues before Justice Kerida Naidoo and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused claimed mother 'went a bid mad' and struck herself with knife, ex-partner tells trial. Charges or matters: his mother's murder at her home in St John's Terrace, Co Sligo on May 1, 2023. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 1, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2019 Other
• February 2023 Other
• Christmas Other
• 2025-05-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report