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Guilty Plea in Gillespie Murder Hearing

A twenty-nine year old man, Simon McGinley has been charged with the murder of Sligo pensioner Eugene Gillespie.

At a special sitting of the District Court in Carrick-on-Shannon this afternoon the accused, with an address at Connaghton Road, Sligo, pleaded guitly to the killing of Mr Gillespie between the 19th and 21st of September at the victim's home on Old Market Street, Sligo.

The court heard that McGinley, in a distraught state, surrendered to gardaí at Sligo Garda Station last Friday night.

McGinley sat staring at the floor in court, flanked by two gardai, as details of his arrest were given by Inspector Jim Delaney. Dressed in jeans, a grey jumper and a blue casual jacket, he appeared to sob as the case was heard.

Inspector Jim Delaney of Sligo gardaí, gave evidence of arresting McGinley, cautioning and charging him with murder at 1.15am this morning (Sunday). The accused replied 'Guilty' to the charge.

During cross-examination by defence lawyer Keith O'Grady, Insp Delaney confirmed that Mr McGinley had attended Sligo garda station voluntarily at 10.05pm on Friday.

"He was attended by a GP on two occasions after he exhibited signs of being distraught," said the inspector.

An application by Mr O'Grady to have the accused placed on a 'suicide watch' was postponed by Judge Kevin Kilrane until 'a full phychiatric assessment was carried out and only then, if required, should be placed on suicide watch.'

Judge Kilraine asked if there was a history of self-harm and was told that there was not by Mr O'Grady, but that there was a history of attendance with practitioners and that there was an event that was very relevant and that there was a genuine fear on the part of his solicitor, Gerry McGovern.


Left: McGinley being brought to Castlerea prison from the special sitting of Carrick-on-Shannon District Court today. Photo:RTÉ




McGinley was granted free legal aid.

No application for bail was made and McGinley was remanded in custody to Castlerea Prison. Supt Mary Murray applied for a remand in custody to Harristown District Court next Friday.

McGinly spoke briefly with family members before being led away.

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Scholarship :: The reward fund arranged by Eugene's friend, Declan Foley (Melbourne, Australia) will now be used to establish a Gaeltacht Scholarship in Eugene's name. All are invited to contribute, no matter how small the donation.

The Fund's detail's are;

The Eugene Gillespie Memorial Fund
Sligo Credit Union,
Stephen St., Sligo.
Account Number  22735