Ireland Trial of man accused of murdering John O'Connor in New Ross
John O'Connor, a man, was found covered in blood on the floor of his flat in the Cluain Fada housing estate in New Ross, County Wexford, by his daughter, and died on 31 December 2024. Wayne Roche, a 35-year-old man, was arrested in New Ross town centre in connection with his death and is on trial accused of murder. At the trial on 7 May 2026, evidence was heard that Mr Roche left the scene because he had panicked, and he has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial before a jury is continuing, with closing arguments expected the following Tuesday.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court7 May
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- John O'Connor was found covered in blood on the floor of his apartment by his daughter, who called the emergency services.
- Where
- The killing took place at Mr O'Connor's flat in the Cluain Fada housing estate in New Ross, County Wexford.
- When
- Mr O'Connor died on 31 December 2024.
- Cause
- The prosecution says the accused violently assaulted Mr O'Connor at some point between 30 and 31 December 2024.
- Investigation
- The accused, Wayne Roche, was arrested in New Ross town centre in connection with Mr O'Connor's death.
- In garda interviews, the accused said he did not know what had happened to Mr O'Connor.
- In court
- Evidence heard on 7 May 2026 was that the accused left the scene because he had panicked.
- The trial is continuing before a jury of four men and eight women.
- Sources differ on the venue: one says the Central Criminal Court in Waterford, another says Waterford Courthouse before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath.
- The jury is expected to hear closing arguments the following Tuesday.
- Charges
- The accused pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter.
- Other details
- The accused had been in a relationship with Mr O'Connor's daughter at the time of the alleged offence.
- A third man, Michael Bancewicz, had been staying at Mr O'Connor's flat and was drinking with the two men on the night of 30 December.
10 statements extracted from the articles
- whatJohn O'Connor was found covered in blood on the floor of his apartment by his daughter, who called the emergency services. (rte.ie)
- whereThe killing of John O'Connor took place in New Ross, County Wexford. (rte.ie)
- whenJohn O'Connor died on 31 December 2024. (rte.ie)
- causeThe prosecution says the accused violently assaulted Mr O'Connor at some point between 30 and 31 December. (rte.ie)
- investigationThe accused was arrested in New Ross town centre in connection with Mr O'Connor's death. (rte.ie)
- investigationIn garda interviews, the accused said he did not know what had happened to Mr O'Connor. (rte.ie)
- chargeThe accused pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. (rte.ie)
- courtThe trial is continuing before a jury at the Central Criminal Court in Waterford. (rte.ie)
- courtThe trial before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath continues at Waterford Courthouse, with the jury expected to hear closing arguments. (rte.ie)
- otherThe accused had been in a relationship with Mr O'Connor's daughter when the alleged offence occurred. (rte.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 7 May2026Murder accused left scene as he panicked, court told
Trial reporting: the accused pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder, and evidence was heard on 7 May 2026 about garda interviews, medical treatment and phone messages. The jury is expected to hear closing arguments the following Tuesday.
accused, Wayne Roche, 35, male, named, irish (judged from name)Wayne Rochevictim, John O'Connor, 58, male, irish (judged from name)John O'Connor