Noel Lenihan pleaded guilty to manslaughter of Christopher McGrath

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Noel Lenihan, of Mervue in Galway, was charged with the murder of Christopher McGrath, who was stabbed at Lenihan’s home on 12 March 2017. Lenihan pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier in 2019 on the basis that he acted in self-defence but used excessive force. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the plea.

The proceedings were reported on 11 November 2019. At the Central Criminal Court that day, Justice Michael White heard evidence ahead of sentencing and adjourned sentencing to 25 November 2019.

Detective Inspector Michael Coppinger told the court that Lenihan said he had been awakened by McGrath, who struck him and put him in a judo hold. Lenihan said he feared for his life, found a knife and used it in a “get off me” motion while his back was to McGrath.

Acting State pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan’s evidence was that McGrath suffered five knife wounds, including a fatal heart wound consistent with a direct frontal movement. Lenihan said he did not remember inflicting the wounds but accepted the pathologist’s evidence and his responsibility.

Lenihan’s counsel, Giollaiosa O’Lideadha SC, said his client had written an apology to McGrath’s family and asked the judge to consider his age, ill-health, previous good character and remorse. Justice White said he wanted McGrath at the centre of the sentence hearing and needed time to consider all matters.