Courts / Sligo / Report

Murder accused told gardai he waited 20 minutes before calling ambulance for mother

Date
2025-05-09

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Sligo

County
Sligo

Summary

A man accused of murdering his mother at her home in County Sligo in May 2023 told gardaí during interviews that he delayed contacting emergency services for approximately 20 minutes after discovering her body. Nigel Canavan, aged 39, of Erris Gardens, Crossmolina, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Angela Canavan at St John's Terrace, Sligo on 1 May 2023. The Central Criminal Court trial heard that Mr Canavan said he initially telephoned a friend before calling an ambulance, claiming he panicked and was unsure what to do. Gardaí arrested him six days after her death. Detective Garda Brian McMahon testified that during questioning at Sligo Garda Station, Mr Canavan described an altercation with his mother, who he said was intoxicated and agitated. He stated he removed a knife from her possession and subsequently heard sounds from downstairs, where he found her unconscious. Mr Canavan denied involvement in her death. State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis determined the deceased died from asphyxia. The trial continues before Justice Kerdia Naidoo and jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he waited 20 minutes before calling ambulance for mother. 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 Incident
2025-05-09 Publication

Why: He also described pushing his mother onto the couch after taking the knife away before leaving the living room to go upstairs because he didn't want to argue. CNI source report