Courts / Limerick / Report

Limerick man serving life for 2012 murder must await appeal fate

Date
2016-06-02
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Limerick
County
Limerick

Summary

Sean Flanagan, serving a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Ger McMahon in Limerick in January 2012, must await the outcome of his appeal against conviction. Flanagan, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by a jury and sentenced by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on December 3, 2013. The Central Criminal Court heard that McMahon was attacked from behind while mounting steps, sustaining fatal injuries. During the appeal hearing, defence counsel argued that Gardaí entered Flanagan's uncle's home without a warrant and failed to caution him, rendering evidence inadmissible. The prosecution countered that Flanagan's voluntary cooperation negated any unfairness. The court, comprising Mr Justice George Birmingham, Mr Justice Alan Mahon, and Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved its judgment. Flanagan's uncle, Paul Colbert, was also found guilty of murdering McMahon after denying the charge. Additionally, Flanagan's brother, Ian Flanagan, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty on two counts of assisting an offender by hiding a CCTV device. The matter remains pending the appellate court's decision.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Limerick man serving life for 2012 murder must await appeal fate. Charges or matters: the murder of Ger McMahon at Lenihan Avenue in January 2012. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

Case subjects

Ian Flanagan

Convicted Person

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty

Paul Colbert

Convicted Person

Sean Flanagan

Convicted Person

Charges: the murder of Ger McMahon at Lenihan Avenue in January 2012 (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury and was given the mandatory life sentence by Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan on December 3, 2013.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
  • The Central Criminal Court
Address Area
  • Lenihan Avenue

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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