Men remanded in custody for roles in robbery which led to death of Leitrim man

Two men have been remanded in custody pending sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for their roles in a tragic robbery gone wrong which lead to the death of a young Leitrim man.

Michael Carroll (aged 22), with an address at Lower Dominick St, Dublin 1 pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Mr Liam McGowan (aged 22) from Kinlough, County Leitrim on August 20, 2006.

Anthony Carroll (age 25) of St Attracta Road, Cabra pleaded guilty to robbing Mr McGowan on that date.

Judge Katherine Delahunt remanded both men in custody until next month to allow her read reports.

Mr Fergal Foley BL, prosecuting, said it was the State's case that there has been an intention by the Carrolls, who are not related, to rob Mr McGowan on the night after they struck up a conversation with him in a pub and that Michael Carroll was prepared to use a "low level" of force if necessary.

He said Anthony Carroll knew of Michael Carroll's intention to rob Mr McGowan but that there was no intention by either of the Carrolls to kill or cause serious harm to Mr McGowan.

Mr Foley stressed this was not a case of murder but of manslaughter where Mr McGowan died from injuries he received after striking his head on the ground following a single punch from Michael Carroll.

A victim impact statement prepared on behalf of the McGowan family described a young man starting a new life and successful career in Dublin. Mr McGowan was described as a "a loving son, brother and friend".

The family said nothing could have prepared them for "the pain and heartbreak" they suffered since 2006.

They said the brain injury inflicted on Mr McGowan "robbed him of his personality" for the three weeks he spent on a life support machine but said "we know he is in a better place now where no one can hurt him".

Garda Martin McInerney told Mr Foley that Michael Carroll had no previous convictions while Anthony Carroll has seven minor previous convictions.

Michael Carroll told his defence counsel, Mr Paul McDermott SC, that he was "deeply sorry" for his actions and the grief he had caused to the McGowan family.