Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman jailed for 'one push' unlawful killing of partner
Summary
Olesja Hertova, 49, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of her partner James Ryan, 69, after she forcefully pushed him on 11 August 2024. The incident occurred after a dispute at their home following a night out. Hertova claimed she was trying to stop him from driving. CCTV footage showed her returning to the house and staying with Ryan until emergency services arrived. Ryan suffered a blunt‑force head injury, was transferred to Beaumont Hospital, and died the next day. Hertova had no prior convictions and expressed remorse during her interview. The court, considering her early guilty plea and lack of previous offences, imposed a headline sentence of five years, reduced to two years and nine months, back‑dated to her August 2024 arrest. The sentence was based on the single push that caused Ryan's death.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman jailed for 'one push' unlawful killing of partner. Charges or matters: one count of the unlawful killing of James Ryan on August 11, 2024, at the above address. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 11, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 11 Other
- August 27, 2024 Incident
- August 2024 Incident
- 2025-07-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of the unlawful killing of James Ryan on August 11, 2024, at the above address (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said that on the night in question, Hertova "lost her temper with Mr Ryan and pushed him forcefully". "I have no doubt that she did not intend to kill him," he said. "It is tragic for his children and extended family," Judge Nolan noted.
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