Manslaughter accused to face trial at Dundalk Circuit Court in the New Year

The late Laurence McGeown RIP

A 31-year-old who is charged with the manslaughter of a man in a local pub earlier this year has been returned to the Circuit Court to face trial.

Charles Hutchinson (31), with an address at Barton Park in Dundalk is accused of the unlawful killing of Laurence ‘Michael’ McGeown (63) at Fagan’s Pub on the Castletown Road last March.

Mr McGeown died on March 6^th, just days after being assaulted while having a drink in the pub near to his home in Toberona.

The father of three was admitted to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda following the attack on Friday February 28th but later released.

However, he was discovered unconscious two days later in his home by his daughter Lisa and remained in a serious condition until his life support machine was switched off on Thursday March 6^th.

Mr Hutchinson had previously been charged with assaulting Mr McGeown, causing him harm but this was withdrawn at Dundalk District Court yesterday where Judge Flann Brennan sent the 31-year-old forward to the next sitting of Dundalk Circuit Court on January 13^th.

Geraldine Gilligan in court in Dundalk today

John Gilligan’s wife Geraldine is in Dundalk today to appear before the local Circuit Court.

Ms Gilligan is appealing the decision of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) to stop her €186 a week unemployment benefit.

John Gilligan, a convicted drug trafficker, was released from prison in October.

A large number of photographers have gathered around the court for Ms Gilligan’s appearance.