Three men who killed pensioner Tom Niland sentenced to a total of 43 years

The judge noted that the killers had carried out reconnaissance on Mr Niland and targeted him because he lived alone and, as a man in his 70s, they 'fully understood' that he could be easily overcome

Sentencing the men on Thursday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said Tom Niland (pictured) was a kind man who was entitled to feel comfortable and secure in his own home. File photo

Three men who "brutally" assaulted Tom Niland, a vulnerable pensioner who they beat to death in his own home, have been sentenced to a combined 43 years in prison.

Sentencing the men on Thursday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said the victim was a kind man who was entitled to feel comfortable and secure in his own home.

The judge described the unlawful killing as "savage" and he noted that the killers had carried out reconnaissance on Mr Niland and targeted him because he lived alone and, as a man in his 70s, they "fully understood" that he could be easily overcome.

John Irving (aged 31) of Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo; Francis Harman (aged 58) of Nephin Court, Killala Road, Ballina Co Mayo; and John Clarke (aged 37) of Carrowkelly, Ballina, all pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this year. They attacked Mr Niland at his home at Doonflynn, Skryne, Co Sligo, on January 18, 2022, and took his wallet, containing about €800.

After the assault, the three men drove to a wilderness area where they disposed of the wallet and gloves containing DNA evidence that later linked them to the crime. They then drove to Ballina to settle a bill at Casey's Garage where they had been unable to pay when they filled up at the same station hours earlier.

Mr Niland, meanwhile, managed to cross the road and alerted neighbours despite having suffered brain injuries, a fracture to his eye socket and multiple rib fractures. 

An ambulance took him to Sligo General Hospital where he initially seemed to improve before his condition deteriorated. He was put on life support but died from his injuries about 20 months later.

Sentences

Mr Justice McDermott sentenced Irving to 16 years in prison with the final year suspended for two years. Irving has 57 previous convictions, including those for violent burglaries targeting the elderly, theft, arson, criminal damage and endangerment.

He sentenced Clarke and Harman to 15 years with the final year suspended. Each defendant must engage with probation services on their release or they face serving the suspended portion of their sentences.

Following the sentencing hearing, Mr Niland's family members and friends hugged one another and shook hands with gardaí and prosecutors.