Wicklow man to be sentenced over offences linked to playground death of father-of-seven
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man who admitted producing a weapon and taking part in an incident linked to the death of father-of-seven William “Willie” Moorehouse is to be sentenced later this year.
Kaelum O’Connor (33), of Ballywaltrim Heights, Bray, Co Wicklow, was arraigned at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court, where he pleaded guilty to one count of producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury during the course of a dispute or fight, contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
On January 19, 2025, at Ballywaltrim, Bray, Co Wicklow, Mr O’Connor produced a pole in a manner likely unlawfully to intimidate another person, the article being capable of inflicting serious injury.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of affray, contrary to Section 16 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as amended.
It is alleged that, on the same date and at the same location, the defendant, acting with others, used or threatened to use unlawful violence, conduct which would have caused people present at the scene to fear for their own safety.
Senior counsel for the defence, Paul Murray, said the defendant had previously been listed for trial on October 6, noting that some of his co-accused are still awaiting trial.
He added that his client wants to publicly apologise and show his remorse for the death of Mr Moorehouse.
Patrick Fitzpatrick. © Collins Dublin
Judge John Martin adjourned the matter until October 6 for Judge Patrick Quinn to fix a date for sentencing.
Sean McCann (23), of Wolfe Tone Square North, Bray, Co Wicklow, is also due to appear in October to have a sentencing date fixed, while Kris Kiggins failed to appear for sentencing, after pleading guilty in late 2025.
Co-accused Patrick Fitzpatrick (33), of Sunset View, Corran, Leap, Co Cork, is due to be sentenced at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on Wednesday, July 29, after pleading guilty to one count of violent disorder and one count of producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury.