Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 7803Manslaughter · Co. Cork

Man jailed over manslaughter of mother's partner in Skibbereen, Co Cork

Andrew Nash was accused of murdering John Ustic (51), his mother's partner, in an assault at High Street, Skibbereen, Co Cork, on September 24 or 25; the year is not given. Alcohol played a role, and after the assault Nash left the State for Holyhead in the UK. Nash pleaded guilty to manslaughter four days into his trial at the Central Criminal Court, and the State accepted the plea. On July 21, 2023, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath passed sentence, with sources giving either 13 years or 14 years with the final 12 months suspended.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced21 Jul
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Andrew Nash was accused of murdering John Ustic (51), the partner of Nash's mother.
Where
The killing took place at High Street, Skibbereen, Co Cork.
When
The killing took place on September 24 or 25; the year is not given.
Cause
  • The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, chest and neck.
  • Alcohol played a role in the offence.
Weapon
Nash repeatedly dropped a couch on the victim's head and chest.
Charges
Nash pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of John Ustic four days into his trial.
In court
  • Mr Justice Michael MacGrath passed sentence at the Central Criminal Court after the State accepted the plea.
  • The judge set a headline sentence of 17 years and six months before reducing it for mitigating factors.
Sentence
Sources differ: one gives 13 years, the other gives 14 years with the final 12 months suspended for two years on condition that Nash work with the probation services.
Other details
  • After the assault, Nash left the State for Holyhead in the UK.
  • Ahead of sentencing, Nash apologised in court for the killing.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe killing took place at High Street, Skibbereen, Co Cork. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe killing took place on September 24 or 25. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, chest and neck. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeAlcohol played a role in the offence. (irishmirror.ie)
  • weaponNash repeatedly dropped a couch on the victim's head and chest. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeNash pleaded guilty to manslaughter of John Ustic. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe sentence was passed by a judge at the Central Criminal Court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe judge set a headline sentence of 17 years and six months before reducing it for mitigating factors. (irishmirror.ie)
  • sentenceNash was sentenced to 14 years with the final 12 months suspended for two years, on condition that he work with the probation services. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherAfter the assault, Nash left the State for Holyhead in the UK. (irishmirror.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 21 Jul2023
    Sentencedirishmirror.ie, first report
    Man who killed his mother's partner - smashing his head with a sofa - is jailed

    Sentencing report from the Central Criminal Court. The article's headline says 13 years, but the body says 14 years with the final 12 months suspended. Incident day is given as September 24 or 25, so the date is left empty.

    victim, John Ustic, 51, male, non-irish (judged from name)John Usticconvicted, Andrew Nash, 43, male, named, irish (judged from name)Andrew Nash