52 – Betrayal: The murder of Mary Gough

Mary Gough tragically fell down the stairs in her home, only 6 months after her wedding day. Or, at least that’s what her husband, Colin Whelan, said. When Mary was rushed to the hospital after this purported accident, the Gardai did not take him at his word.

His story did not add up, and Colin Whelan was charged with with Mary’s murder. But when Whelan’s car was discovered at the top of Howth Head near the seaside cliffs, people thought that there would be no justice for Mary. 

But they were wrong.

Continue reading “52 – Betrayal: The murder of Mary Gough”

35 – The murder of Jill Meagher & serial sex crimes of Adrian Bayley

On Friday the 22nd September 2012, Jill Meagher left work after a long week and went out for a night on the town in her adopted home of Melbourne, Australia. She spent the evening in a number of bars and pubs with work friends.

But that night, there was a predator out on the streets too. One who had spent nearly a decade in prison for violent assaults and rape, and was still on parole and bail. Because of him, Jill would never make it home that night.

Continue reading “35 – The murder of Jill Meagher & serial sex crimes of Adrian Bayley”

29 – The murders of Thomas Murray & life sentences

The small town of Ballygar was shocked when 73 year old bachelor farmer William Mannion was found stabbed to death on his kitchen floor. A local youth was responsible. He was brought to trial, found guilty and received the mandatory life sentence. How was it then, that 17 years later, the same man would be able to kill another elderly resident of Ballygar, Nancy Nolan (84) in a senseless and motiveless crime?

This week, we look at the murders committed by Thomas Murray in East Galway and how life sentences in Ireland don’t really mean life.

Continue reading “29 – The murders of Thomas Murray & life sentences”