Courts / Louth / Report
Murder accused tells jury of being 'groomed' into life of drugs and violence by 'abusive' mother
Summary
An amateur kickboxer who admits to killing but denies murdering his mother has testified at his trial, claiming he was 'groomed' into a life of drugs and violence by his abusive mother. Luke Donnelly told the Central Criminal Court that he was in fear for his life and 'lost all control' when he stomped on his mother's head after she hit and threatened to kill him. He admitted to using 'deplorable violence' to end his mother's life and had taken a cocktail of drugs before the incident. Donnelly, who has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, described a history of abuse and violence in his home. He said his mother had a relationship with a drug dealer and that he was put 'out on the street' at 14. The trial continues with the jury considering evidence, including CCTV footage and the accused's claim that he was 'Jesus Christ' and that his mother had threatened to kill him.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused tells jury of being 'groomed' into life of drugs and violence by 'abusive' mother. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his mother Catherine Henry (62) at her apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth on a date unknown between May 23 and 24 2023. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 23 Incident
- May 23, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 22 Other
- 2026-01-30 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his mother Catherine Henry (62) at her apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth on a date unknown between May 23 and 24 2023 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Bridge Street
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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