Ireland Only man convicted of Veronica Guerin murder to start day releases
Veronica Guerin, a journalist, was shot several times at point blank range while sitting in her car at traffic lights on the Naas dual carriageway in Co Kildare in June 1996. Brian Meehan, 56, was convicted of her murder in December 1999 and given a life sentence, the only person convicted over the killing, while John Gilligan was charged over the murder but found not guilty. Meehan has served over 23 years in prison, the last two at Shelton Abbey open prison in Co Wicklow. As of 1 September 2023, reports said he is expected to start day releases over the coming year, a decision for the Independent Parole Board, and the Guerin family can object.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced1 Sep
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Veronica Guerin, a journalist, was murdered.
- When
- Veronica Guerin died in June 1996.
- Where
- Guerin was killed on the Naas dual carriageway in Co Kildare.
- Meehan has spent the last two years at Shelton Abbey open prison in Co Wicklow under a light touch regime.
- Cause
- Guerin was shot several times at point blank range while sitting in her car at traffic lights.
- Charges
- Brian Meehan, 56, was convicted of Guerin's murder in December 1999, the only person convicted.
- John Gilligan was charged over the murder.
- In court
- John Gilligan was found not guilty of the murder.
- Sentence
- Meehan was given a life sentence and has served over 23 years in prison.
- Other details
- Meehan has so far been allowed out of prison for medical appointments, accompanied by prison officers.
- Prison sources say Meehan will start day releases over the coming year as part of a rehabilitation plan, reported on 1 September 2023.
- The final decision on Meehan's release rests with the new Independent Parole Board.
- The Guerin family can make a submission objecting to any release.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatBrian Meehan is the only killer jailed for the murder of Veronica Guerin and is set to start day releases from prison. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereMeehan has spent the last two years at Shelton Abbey open prison in Co Wicklow. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenVeronica Guerin died in June 1996. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeGuerin was shot several times at point blank range while sitting in her car at traffic lights on the Naas dual carriageway. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeMeehan was the only person convicted of Guerin's murder in December 1999. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtJohn Gilligan was charged over the murder but found not guilty. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceMeehan was given a life sentence and has served over 23 years in prison. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherMeehan is expected to be slowly allowed back into society over the coming year. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe final decision on Meehan's release is for the new Independent Parole Board. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe Guerin family can make a submission objecting to any release. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 1 Sep2023Only man jailed for murder of Veronica Guerin to start getting day releases soon
Reports that convicted murderer Brian Meehan is expected to begin day releases over the coming year, with the final plan subject to Independent Parole Board approval. Adds the prison sentence history and Guerin family's right to object.
convicted, Brian Meehan, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Meehanvictim, Veronica Guerin, 36, female, irish (judged from name)Veronica Guerinaccused, John Gilligan, male, named, irish (judged from name)John Gilligansuspect, Patrick 'Dutchy' Holland, male, named, irish (judged from name)Patrick 'Dutchy' Holland