Teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in Blarney killing trial

A teenager accused of murdering a man in Blarney, Co Cork, last September pleaded guilty to manslaughter today.

The teenager, who cannot be identified as he is a juvenile, was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork on a charge of murdering Shannon Ruby (aged 30), contrary to Common Law on Saturday, September 26, at Ard Na Greine, Station Road, Blarney, County Cork.

The 17-year-old replied, “Not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter.”

Prosecution senior counsel Tom Creed said, “This plea is acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

Mr Justice Paul Carney then said sentencing would be adjourned for the purpose of preparing victim impact reports. In such cases, victim impact reports are prepared on the family of the deceased.

Initially it was suggested that sentencing would proceed next month. However, defence senior counsel Blaise O’Carroll said the defence required reports that would take longer to prepare.

Sentencing was then adjourned until October 19 next.

The teenager was remanded on continuing bail where €3,000 cash was previously lodged and on an independent surety’s understanding that he would have to pay a further €7,000 if the defendant failed to appear.