'We hope no one else has to suffer the horrendous nightmare of what Frankie endured'

Family of Frankie Dunne pay tribute to 'kind and gentle man' after his murderer was given a life sentence

Judge acknowledged the difficulties of Frankie Dunne’s life in terms of alcohol dependence but he said what came through from his very supportive family was what a warm person he was.

A life sentence was handed down on Friday to a 31-year-old Romanian man for murdering a 64-year-old Cork man whose decapitated remains were found in a garden on Boreenmanna Road at Christmas 2019.

The defence indicated on Friday the accused man “accepted the finality of the jury verdict” and would not appeal the case. 

However, the sentencing judge noted the murderer never gave an explanation for his crime and never expressed remorse for it.

All of the evidence was given at the sentencing hearing immediately following the unanimous decision of the eight women and four men of the jury to convict him last month. 

Ionut Cosmin Nichoclescu: The sentencing judge noted the murderer never gave an explanation for his crime and never expressed remorse for it. Picture: Cork Courts Limited

However, the formal imposition of the mandatory life sentence was adjourned until today, April 28.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott has now imposed that sentence on Ionut Cosmin Nicholescu, 31, with an address at Branistea Village, Damovita County, Romania, on the count that on a date unknown between December 27 and December 28, 2019, he murdered Francis (Frankie) Dunne at Castlegreine House, Boreenamanna Road, Cork, contrary to Common Law.

Mr Justice McDermot acknowledged the difficulties of Frankie Dunne’s life in terms of alcohol dependence but he said what came through from his very supportive family was what a warm person he was.

The judge referred to the deep engagement the deceased had with his family as well as with the Simon Community and homeless services in Cork city.

“Any trial of this kind focuses on legal and factual descriptions, probably more so in this case, given the gruesome facts. We are re-focusing now on Francis Dunne, to recognise him, not only as a victim of a horrible crime but what he meant to his family and friends.

“We now know that Francis Dunne’s murder consisted of being bludgeoned with a bottle and strangled. His body was then shockingly disrespected and dismembered. 

"He [Nicholescu] has yet to express remorse for his crime or give any explanation for what he has done. I extend my sympathy to the family for their loss.” 

Outside the Central Criminal Court on Anglesea Street, Cork, the family then spoke through the deceased man’s niece, Rosaleen Herlihy. Surrounded by family, she said:

“Frankie was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew and friend to many. He lost a lot in his life due to alcohol dependence. The one thing he never lost was his family’s love and support.

Every member of his family and large circle of friends has held him, fed him or sometimes just sat with him while he sang his rebel songs, which he loved. He was simply Frankie — a kind and gentle man.

“He had another family that he loved — his friends living in homeless shelters or on the streets of Cork. They were their own community — one without their own front door or sometimes even a mattress to lay down on, out of the cold.

“As Frankie’s family, who miss him every day we hope that no one else has to suffer the horrendous nightmare of what Frankie endured in the final hours of his life.

“We want to convey a special thanks to all of the legal team involved, the jury for their meticulous attention throughout the trial. We want to thank the Garda investigation team and in particular Detective Garda Sharon Sweeney, and Margaret Lucey from Support After Homicide.

“We also want to thank our mother, Joan, for her endless love and support. We will always love you, Frankie.”