Trial hears murder accused told gardai: "if I could give my life for his I would"

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that a Sligo man told gardai he was deeply sorry for the death of a 59-year-old and would sacrifice his own life if he could. Keith Brady, aged 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of Martin Kivlehan at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo on 2–3 August 2015. The prosecution rejected the guilty plea, and the trial is proceeding. During interviews at Sligo Garda Station on 4–5 August 2015, Mr Brady initially gave no comment responses before providing an account of events. He told gardai that he had consumed alcohol, Xanax, and heroin at the deceased's home, and that he stabbed Mr Kivlehan after an incident involving his sister. The accused stated he had no intention of killing anyone and attributed his actions to substance use. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.