Courts / Dublin / Report
Son tells court he cannot stop thinking of his father "drowning in his own blood"
Summary
David Sweeney, son of the 62‑year‑old victim, gave a victim impact statement at the Central Criminal Court during the sentencing hearing of Gary Walsh, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Sweeney described his father as an alcoholic but the only father he and his siblings had, and said the killing had affected every aspect of their lives, including marriages, careers and social relationships. He recounted how his father was beaten to death by Walsh, a man half his age, and how the event left him haunted by thoughts of his father drowning in his own blood. Sweeney also spoke of the emotional impact on his family, noting that the death has made it difficult for them to mourn and to explain the circumstances to their grandchildren. The court adjourned sentencing until the following Monday and remanded Walsh in custody. The unnamed 62-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Son tells court he cannot stop thinking of his father "drowning in his own blood". Charges or matters: his father's manslaughter; murder, but guilty to the former rugby captain's manslaughter on 8th February 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 8th February 2014 Other
- February 8th 2014 Other
- 2017-07-03 Publication
Why: He had stopped beating him because there was so much blood and told Mr Sweeney to clean himself up following the assault. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: his father's manslaughter; murder, but guilty to the former rugby captain's manslaughter on 8th February 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: David Sweeney delivered his victim impact statement to the Central Criminal Court today in the sentence hearing of a 35-year-old Dubliner, who pleaded guilty to his father's manslaughter.; Justice McCarthy adjourned sentencing until until Monday next, and remanded Walsh in custody until then.
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