Pleads guilty to uncle's ‘Manslaughter’

A plea of manslaughter and arson has been accepted in connection with the death of a Cavanman in a house fire three years ago.

Daniel Murray (39) and of no fixed abode, was previously charged with murdering his uncle, Patrick Oliver Murray on August 2, 2018, at the elderly man’s home at Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff.

However, before the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on Monday, the defendant was re-arraigned in relation to the charges and pleaded: “Not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter”.

He also pleaded guilty to the charge of arson.

The court was informed that the pleas were acceptable to the State.

Defence counsel, Patrick McGrath SC, instructed by Cavan solicitor Damien Rudden, informed presiding Mr Justice Paul McDermott that he would be presenting psychological and probation reports on the next court date in respect of his client.

The case has been adjourned to January 17, 2022.