Don’t let killers get hands on spouse’s assets

Killers like Eamonn Lillis should not be able to get their hands on their spouse’s assets, including the victim’s share of the family home, according to the State’s expert legal body.

The Law Reform Commission has called for comprehensive legislation to prevent people who commit murder, attempted murder or manslaughter from obtaining any such benefit, including life insurance policies and pensions.

But the commission said there should be one exception in manslaughter cases: where the defendant claims provocation, mostly typically in scenarios of long-term domestic violence.