Man (32) pleads guilty as multiple co-accused appear in court over death of Wicklow dad found dead in playground
The Wicklow PeopleA man has pleaded guilty before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in connection with a violent disorder case linked to the death of William “Willie” Moorehouse, a father-of-six who was found dead in a playground in Bray in January 2025.
Several co-accused also appeared before the court in separate but related proceedings, each facing charges of violent disorder and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury.
Kris Kiggins (32), of no fixed abode, was arraigned before the court and pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder.
Mr Kiggins remains charged with production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury.
Counsel for Mr Kiggins told the court that his client’s guilty plea “will most likely cause a domino effect”.
In a separate case relating to the death of Mr Moorehouse, James Fell (24), of Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow, who is also charged with violent disorder and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury, had his case adjourned by Judge Patrick Quinn to January 13, 2026.
In a different case arising from the same incident, Jamie O’Connor (21), of 15 Ballywaltrim Heights, Bray, Co. Wicklow, and Kaelum O’Connor, of the same address, appeared charged with violent disorder and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury.
Gregory Murphy BL told the court that progress is being made in the case, but that he has not yet received new CCTV footage, which is available to the other legal teams representing the accused.
In separate proceedings relating to the same event, Kyle O’Connor (18), of Ballywaltrim Heights, Bray, had his bail revoked in late October after allegedly breaching several bail conditions while awaiting trial.
He is charged with violent disorder and production of an article linked to the incident in Bray last January. The court heard in October that he was arrested in Wicklow town on October 18 after breaching his curfew and was allegedly intoxicated. He also failed to sign on regularly as required.
A psychiatric report has found him unfit to plead, and Judge Quinn adjourned the matter to January 13, 2026 for the prosecution to decide whether he is fit to plead.
Sean McCann (22), of 4 Wolfe Tone Square North, Bray, Co. Wicklow, also appeared before the court charged with violent disorder and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury. Judge Quinn adjourned his case to Thursday, November 13.
Outside the jurisdiction, Patrick Fitzpatrick (32), of 136 Heather Hall, Kilruddery Glen, Bray, Co. Wicklow, is charged with violent disorder, production of an article (a knife), and the murder of William Moorehouse. He will stand trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on all three counts.