Courts / Mayo / Report

'Unfortunate situation' sees jury dismissed in trial of man accused of 'indescribably savage' murder

Date
2026-03-18
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Ballina
County
Mayo

Summary

The jury in Liam O'Leary's Central Criminal Court murder trial has been discharged after the judge said an 'unfortunate situation' meant the proceedings could not continue. O'Leary denies murdering 58-year-old John Casserly at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit in Ballina in October 2024. The case will return to court on April 15, and the jurors were excused from further service for five years. Liam O'Leary pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Unfortunate situation' sees jury dismissed in trial of man accused of 'indescribably savage' murder. Charges or matters: the murder of 58-year-old John Casserly at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit on Tone St, Ballina, Co Mayo between October 23 and 24th, 2024. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Liam O'Leary

Defendant

Charges: the murder of 58-year-old John Casserly at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit on Tone St, Ballina, Co Mayo between October 23 and 24th, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Facility
  • Tone House

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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