Judge to sentence Hayes for murder of Cork widow

Oliver Hayes is due to be sentenced later for the murder of West Cork widow Anne Corcoran.

The 49-year-old from Clancool Terrace in Bandon was convicted of her killing by a jury at the Central Criminal Court last Thursday.

He faces the mandatory sentence of life in prison.

Mr Hayes was in debt, and decided to rob Ann Corcoran because she was living alone, and he thought she would have money.

He abducted her, held her hostage in his home, where after she revealed her PIN, he beat her over the head with a stick and then a heavy table top.

Hayes stole €3,000 after her death, and two days later went on a skiing holiday to Austria.

The painter had burned his victim's body, before burying it in a shallow grave in Garrettstown woods.

Mister Justice Paul Carney has already heard evidence of eight previous convictions, including one of burglary of an 84-year-old's home.

He is expected to hear a victim impact statement, before passing sentence.