Courts / Dublin / Report

'Two halves of one person': twins killed mother's partner after he became abusive towards her

Summary

Twin brothers Eric and Sean Farrell were found guilty of manslaughter after killing their mother's partner, Nicolae Diaconu, following allegations of abuse. The court heard that the twins stabbed Diaconu eight times and struck him with a blunt object. Both pleaded guilty, and the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted their pleas. The court was told that Diaconu had been abusive towards their mother, prompting her to seek refuge. The twins went to his home to confront him, and a violent altercation ensued. Diaconu was found with multiple stab wounds and a blunt force injury. The court acknowledged the twins' actions were in self-defense but noted the excessive violence used. Both were sentenced to a headline term of ten to 15 years, with the court considering their close relationship and the circumstances of the incident.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Two halves of one person': twins killed mother's partner after he became abusive towards her. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 11, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas Other
• 2026-05-18 Publication

Why: He said he had stabbed the deceased because he had grabbed Sean during a dispute relating to their mother. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Pair jailed for preying on innocent shooting victim in 'vicious extortion racket'
• 'Fun loving' drug dealer jailed over possession of €90k in crime cash
• 'I'm doing my job as a mum': court hears exchange between mother and accused son
• Separated husband spared conviction despite alleged threat to throw former wife out window
• Serial criminal set car ablaze after release from Melanie McCarthy-McNamara manslaughter sentence
• Drug dealer further sentenced for 'crudely' laundering own crime cash

Read the original CNI report