Attacker who beat Tom, 73, and left him to die admits killing charge

Home invader changes plea five days into his trial

- BY EOIN REYNOLDS

FIVE days into his trial for the unlawful killing of Tom Niland, who was beaten by three men and left to die in the rural home where he lived alone, John Irving yesterday changed his plea to guilty.

Irving, 31, became the third person to plead guilty to manslaughter over the death of Mr Niland, who suffered brain injuries, a fracture to his eye socket and multiple rib fractures following the assault.

The 73-year-old was put on life support but died from his injuries 20 months later.

His attackers took his wallet containing €800 or €900 and went to Casey's garage in Ballina, Co Mayo, where they paid for petrol and goods in cash.

They had left the same garage just hours earlier unable to pay for diesel they had already put into their Vauxhall Vivaro van.

Francis Harman, the driver of the van, had told the garage owner that he would be back later to pay for the fuel.

After Irving, of Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty to Mr Niland's unlawful Killing, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon discharged the jury.

It can now be reported that Harman, 58, of Nephin Court, Killala Road, Ballina, Co Mayo and John Clarke, 37, of Carrowkelly, Ballina pleaded guilty to the same offence last week.

Irving was further charged with entering Mr Niland's home as a trespasser and causing him serious harm, intentionally or recklessly causing him serious harm and false imprisonment.