Courts / Sligo / Report

State rejects accused's manslaughter plea

Date
2019-11-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Sligo

County
Sligo

Summary

Keith Brady, 32, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, is facing trial for the alleged murder of Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan. The incident is alleged to have occurred between August 2 and August 3, 2015, at New Apartments on Holborn Street, Sligo. At the procedural stage, Mr. Brady pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder but entered a plea of guilty to the alternative charge of manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions rejected the manslaughter plea, meaning the accused will proceed to trial on the murder charge. The matter was not adjourned; instead, a jury of eight men and four women was sworn in to hear the case before Mr. Justice Alex Owens. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks. As the plea to manslaughter was not accepted, no sentence, suspended portion, or effective custody period has been determined at this stage. The allegations remain contested, and no finding of guilt has been established. The report confirms the rejection of the alternative plea and the commencement of the trial process, with no final disposal or conditions imposed prior to the jury's deliberation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: State rejects accused's manslaughter plea. Charges or matters: murdering Martin 'Matt' Kivlehan between August 2 and August 3, 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo. Procedural stage: trial

When: