Confessions of a remorseful killer

Restorative justice can assist in healing, which is what victims need more than anything, writes Michael Clifford.

THERE was a killer on the radio during the week. His name was Richard Kelly and 30 years ago he stabbed a young man to death, plunging a knife into the man’s back. The victim, 23-year-old John Fox, most likely didn’t even see it coming

Mr Fox was from Tipperary and had been on a weekend away in Sligo with some friends when the attack occurred. The group had been walking home, minding their own business, when set upon by local lads, including 19-year-old Kelly. The local lads took a dislike to the Tipperary accents, according to one account. An altercation developed, and John Fox fell to the ground, knifed in the back, life ebbing away from him.