A Leitrim teenager has been found guilty of killing a 73-year-old man almost two years ago at his home in Killeshandra

Nineteen-year-old Brendan Mc Govern, from Carrigallen in Co Leitrim was found not guilty of the murder of Cavan pensioner John Golden, but guilty of manslaughter.

The teenager admitted in court evidence to beating and kicking the pensioner who he claimed had sexually abused in years prior to the attack.

The court was told in evidence given today by the defence that Mc Govern had difficulties thinking through the consequences of his actions due to Borderline Intellectual Functioning.

John Golden from Nedd, Doogarry, Killeshandra in Co Cavan was found lying unconscious under his bed in September 2010.

He had sustained severe injuries across his boyd and was taken to hospital, but he never recovered and died almost a month later.

Gardaí began a murder investigation and interviewed Brendan Mc Govern, who it was said lived "not too far" from Mr Golden's home.

Mc Govern claimed the pensioner had sexually abused him as a boy and that when he went to his house on the night of the offence to confront him about the incidents of abuse, he "lost control."

Brendan Mc Govern was released on continuing bail and will be sentenced in October.

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