Man admits to manslaughter

ON the eighth day of evidence, a defendant yesterday changed his plea at Limerick Court and admitted to a charge of manslaughter.

Wed, 20 Oct, 2010 - 01:00

Jimmy Woulfe - Mid-West Correspondent

Tony O’Brien, 27, with an address at Craeval Park, Moyross, pleaded not guilty on September 28, when the trial opened before a jury of seven women and five men.

When the trial resumed yesterday afternoon, Judge Carroll Moran was informed that the defendant wished to change his plea to guilty.

Brendan Nix SC, for O’Brien said the decision by the accused to change the plea was against his advice.

The trial had been earlier told that four years ago, O’Brien was one of a number of people who were drinking under the Shannon Bridge.

Among those present was Keith Ryan. A row broke out and as a result Mr Ryan was seriously assaulted. During the assault he was kicked. He died from his injuries.

Another man previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Ryan.

Judge Carroll Moran remanded O’Brien in custody to the same court next Friday when sentence will be passed.