Man pleads guilty to murdering father-of-two in 2021

A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to murdering a father-of-two in his north Co Dublin home nearly three years ago.

Owen Maughan of Dun Saithne Avenue, Balbriggan was charged with murdering Christopher Hall, 65, at his home in Dun Saithne Green, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, between 23 and 24 November 2021.

A pre-trial hearing, which commenced before Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court yesterday, was expected to last two-and-a half weeks.

However, yesterday afternoon Maughan indicated he wished to be arraigned and entered a plea of guilty to the single charge on the indictment of murdering Mr Hall.

The judge directed the preparation of a victim impact report and remanded Maughan in custody until 8 July, when it is expected that he will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment.