Overview

• John Irving was jailed for 16 years with the final year suspended, while Francis Harman and John Clarke received 15 years each with the final year suspended, and the sentences were backdated to their custody dates.
• Mr Justice Paul McDermott described the unlawful killing as savage and said the men selected a vulnerable victim living alone.
• The attackers forced their way into Mr Niland’s home in Doonflynn, Skreen on 18 January 2022, assaulted him and stole a wallet containing about €800.
• Medical evidence detailed brain bleeding, a fractured eye socket and multiple rib fractures; Mr Niland died on 30 September 2023 from complications of blunt-force trauma to the head.
• CCTV and DNA evidence linked the men, who disposed of the wallet and gloves after the attack; two pleaded guilty earlier, and Irving changed his plea during the trial.