Courts / Sligo / Report

Pensioner was 'crying blood' after alleged violent break-in, witness tells trial

Summary

A pensioner was so severely beaten during an alleged home invasion that neighbours did not recognise him as he walked along the road covered in blood with swollen eyes, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Witnesses described the victim as "crying blood" with multiple traumatic injuries following the incident at Doonflynn, Skreen, County Sligo on 18 January 2022. A surgeon from Sligo University Hospital testified that the injuries were serious and life-threatening, requiring the patient to be placed on life support. John Irving, aged 31, of Shanwar, Foxford, County Mayo faces four charges including unlawful killing, assault causing serious harm, intentional or reckless harm, and false imprisonment. The prosecution alleges Mr Irving, along with two other men, broke into the property and assaulted the occupant, who died more than 20 months later on 30 September 2023. Mr Irving has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pensioner was 'crying blood' after alleged violent break-in, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: all four charges. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 18, 2022 Incident
• September 30, 2023 Incident
• January 20 Other
• January 26 Other
• 2025-07-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report