Army sergeant sentenced to life for murder

An army sergeant was yesterday jailed for life at the Central Criminal Court when he was found guilty of the murder of a 20-year…

An army sergeant was yesterday jailed for life at the Central Criminal Court when he was found guilty of the murder of a 20-year-old neighbour.

The jury took just over two hours to unanimously find Tommy O'Brien (37), of Ashbourne, Co Meath guilty of murdering Mr Dermot McKeever (20) at the Milltown Estate on January 1st, 2000.

Mr McKeever was shot dead at his front door following a confrontation with O'Brien. The jury also unanimously found O'Brien guilty of the discharge of a firearm, which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to Christopher Doran on the same date.

He was also found guilty of the possession of a double-barrelled shotgun with the intent to endanger life. Mr O'Brien had denied the charges.

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Mr Justice Patrick Smith imposed the mandatory life sentence for murder. Sentencing on the two other charges was adjourned until November 9th.