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Stabbing victim had "heart of gold", mother tells killer's sentencing hearing

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, Michael Kinsella, aged 24, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 29‑year‑old Adil Essalhi, who was stabbed on 6 January 2011. Essalhi suffered 50 stab and chop wounds before his killers attempted to set his body on fire and then dumped it in a ditch in Tyrrelstown. Kinsella's mother, Geraldine, spoke of the devastation to her family, describing her son as kind, loving and full of promise. Detective Sergeant Dan Callaghan revealed that Kinsella's uncle, Wayne, was convicted of murder for his part in Essalhi's death. Kinsella had been in detention since age 14, had 30 prior convictions, and claimed he was coerced by his uncle. Justice Deirdre Murphy adjourned the sentencing to 25 April. The hearing focused on the circumstances of the killing and the defendant's background.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stabbing victim had "heart of gold", mother tells killer's sentencing hearing. Charges or matters: murder for his part in Mr Essalhi's death. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• January 6, 2011 Adjournment
• January 6 2011 Adjournment
• April 25 Adjournment
• 2016-04-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report