Courts / Waterford / Report

Judge criticises 'appalling' behaviour of violent criminal who 'upped and left' court before murder sentence handed down

Date
2026-06-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

Wayne Roche, who murdered his partner's father, John O'Connor, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge criticizing his "appalling" behavior throughout the trial. Roche had repeatedly lied and tried to blame an innocent man, Michael Bancewicz, for the murder. The judge noted that Roche had a significant criminal history, including 83 previous convictions for assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. During the sentencing hearing, Roche interrupted the proceedings and left the court before the sentence was handed down. The judge praised the victim's family for their "patience and dignity" in the face of Roche's provocations. The family described the attack as "vicious" and "inhumane," stating that Roche had shown no remorse. The court heard that Roche had taken the victim's future from his family and that the victim had been robbed of his life. Roche's defense argued that he did not accept the jury's verdict, but the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice. Wayne Roche pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge criticises 'appalling' behaviour of violent criminal who 'upped and left' court before murder sentence handed down. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr O'Connor (58) at Cluain Fada, Morrissysland, New Ross, Co Wexford on December 30, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 30, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
December 30 Other
2026-06-15 Publication

Case subjects

Wayne Roche

Convicted Person

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr O'Connor (58) at Cluain Fada, Morrissysland, New Ross, Co Wexford on December 30, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Handing down the mandatory term of life imprisonment for murder to Roche today, Mr Justice McGrath said the deceased had over 100 injuries to his body. "Effectively he bled to death and died from a savage beating at the hands of the accused Wayne Roche". They said Roche had shown no remorse for what he had done and "we as a family feel we have been handed the life sentence".; Earlier during today's sentence hearing Roche, who was sitting in the dock, announced that he didn't think he needed to be present in court, proclaiming: "Take me out or I'll forcibly remove myself." The hearing was adjourned until after lunchtime, when the judge said he wanted Roche to be given the opportunity to show "some respect to the court and more importantly to the deceased man's family'.