Courts / Dublin / Report

Twin brothers plead guilty to manslaughter

Date
2026-02-23
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Tallaght
County
Dublin

Summary

Twin brothers Sean Farrell and Eric Farrell, aged 21, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murder relating to the death of Ionel Nicolae Diaconu in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on December 11, 2023. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted that the manslaughter pleas met the case. Defence counsel noted that the brothers were 19 at the time of the incident and have no significant previous convictions, requesting the court to consider probation reports. The defendants are currently held in custody at Castlerea Prison. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to May 18 for a sentence hearing and ordered the preparation of two probation reports. The judge remanded the Farrell twins in custody until that date. Regarding the victim's family, prosecution counsel stated that Mr Diaconu's relatives do not live in Ireland and have previously attended proceedings remotely. The court did not record a final conviction or sentence at this stage, as the case remains adjourned for sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Twin brothers plead guilty to manslaughter. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Diaconu. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Sean Farrell

Defendant

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Diaconu (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to May 18 next for a sentence hearing and ordered two probation reports.; Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to May 18 next for a sentence hearing and ordered two probation reports.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence
Facility

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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