Courts / Kildare / Report
'Psychotic cowardly killer' with 152 previous convictions jailed for nine years
Summary
Ryan Kearney, 39, was sentenced to ten years in prison with one year suspended for three years, following a nine‑year custodial term that was reduced by mitigation. The sentence was imposed after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter, not murder, for stabbing Jeffrey Jackson, 50, 16 times in a "frenzied knife" attack on 8 February 2024. Kearney claimed he acted in self‑defence, citing a dispute over alcohol and Jackson's intoxication. The judge described the violence as extreme and sustained, noting Kearney's 152 prior convictions, including a 10‑year drug‑supply sentence with three years suspended. Victim impact statements highlighted the brutality of the attack and the lasting pain felt by Jackson's family. The court emphasised that the defendant's alcohol‑related history and lack of remorse were factors in the sentencing decision. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Psychotic cowardly killer' with 152 previous convictions jailed for nine years. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Jackson (50) at The Lamps, School Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare on February 8, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- February 8, 2024 Incident
- February 8 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 8 Incident
- February 10 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-07-31 Publication
Why: The witness also agreed with Mr Bowman that a row between the men had taken place because of access to a phone or the drinking of vodka. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Mr Jackson (50) at The Lamps, School Street, Kilcock, Co Kildare on February 8, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; Taking mitigation into account and to assist rehabilitation, Kearney was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the final year suspended for a period of three years.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- School Street
- Paul Reilly from Naas Garda Station
- Naas
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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