'Almost indescribable savagery': murder trial jury hears man suffered 'serious violence'

At the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard opening arguments in the murder trial of Liam O'Leary (33), who denies killing 58-year-old John Casserly at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit on Tone Street, Ballina, County Mayo, between 23 and 24 October 2024. Dean Kelly SC told the jury that Mr Casserly, originally from Wigan but settled in Ballina since 2014, died following "almost indescribable savagery" involving serious violence. Gardaí discovered Mr Casserly's body at approximately 12.50am. The State Pathologist's evidence will indicate he sustained 27 stab wounds, severe blunt force trauma, facial fractures, removal of his left eye, and insertion of blades into his mouth and anus. Witnesses described Mr O'Leary's agitated behaviour during the afternoon before his death. The trial before Justice Melanie Greally continues.