Man (31) pleads not guilty to unlawful killing, trespass, causing serious harm and false imprisonment of pensioner

Eoin Reynolds

A jury has been sworn at the Central Criminal Court to hear the trial of a 31-year-old who denies the unlawful killing of 74-year-old Tom Niland in Sligo after the accused is alleged to have entered the pensioner's home as a trespasser and falsely imprisoned him.

Mr Niland (74) died on September 30th, 2023, more than 20 months after he suffered serious injuries following an alleged home invasion on January 18th, 2022.

John Irving of Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to unlawfully killing Mr Niland at Doonflynn, Skreen, Co Sligo.

It is further alleged that on January 18th, 2022, at Doonflynn, Mr Irving entered Mr Niland's home as a trespasser and caused him serious harm. He is further alleged to have intentionally or recklessly caused serious harm to Mr Niland and to have falsely imprisoned him.

Mr Irving pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Ms Justice Eileen Creedon swore a jury of eight women and four men to hear the trial, which the judge said is likely to last about two weeks.

The trial begins on Thursday.