Murder accused told gardai he stabbed musician in neck

A 30-year-old man accused of murdering a Sligo musician told gardai he stabbed the victim in the neck but could not recall his motive, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate, Sligo has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, at New Apartments on Holborn Street on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015. The State rejected his guilty plea. Mr Kivlehan died from two stab wounds to the neck. Inspector Tom Colsh told the court that Mr Brady invited gardai to his cell in Castlerea Prison in December 2015 and provided a detailed statement about the incident. Mr Brady said he had been addicted to heroin at the time and that events unfolded after visiting the victim's apartment with his sister. He described the stabbing as a "freak moment" and stated he never intended to kill anyone. Following the incident, he said he and his sister moved the body and placed a duvet over it before leaving.