24/04/2012

Farmer Given Life Sentence For Murder Of Brother

A 63-year-old Co Wicklow farmer, suffering from Parkinson’s disease, has been given a life sentence for the murder of his 66-year-old brother.

It is believed they were arguing over their others burial wishes when Cecil Tomkins shot his brother Walter in the hallway of the house they shared.

Cecil denied the charge but was found guilty last month by unanimous verdict by a jury of nine men and three women after five hours of deliberation following the seven-day trial.

He was not in court on March 16th when the jury returned its verdict and had missed the last two days of his trial due to illness, so sentencing was deferred.

Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan yesterday handed down the mandatory life sentence. He refused a defence application for bail pending an appeal, saying he did not think it was appropriate.

(H/GK)


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