Blood of deceased found on candlestick holder and drawer, trial told

The trial of a man accused of murdering a pensioner in his home has heard blood matching the deceased’s was found on a candlestick holder and a drawer.

Simon McGinley, aged 30, of Connaughton Rd, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but has admitted the manslaughter of Eugene Gillespie, aged 67, in Co Sligo, on September 22, 2012. He has pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market St on September 19, 2012.

The Central Criminal Court heard the manslaughter plea was not accepted by the State.