Man jailed for killing mother pleads guilty to armed burglary and assault charges

A man jailed for the manslaughter of his mother last month has pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, while armed with a kitchen knife, and assault causing harm.

Luke Donnelly (29), with addresses at Riverbank, Drogheda, County Louth, and Killucan, County Westmeath, appeared at Mullingar Circuit Court, where he entered guilty pleas to two charges before Judge Cephas Power.

The former amateur kickboxer pleaded guilty to entering a house at Grange Heights, Mullingar, as a trespasser while armed with a knife on April 13, 2023, and assault causing harm to a male at Delvin Road, Mullingar, on August 2, 2022.

Mr Donnelly was remanded in custody to October 9, when he will be sentenced. A victim impact statement was directed for that date.

The plea came five weeks after Mr Donnelly was jailed for seven years and six months with the final 12 months suspended at the Central Criminal Court, for the manslaughter of his mother at her apartment on Bridge Street, Dundalk, County Louth, on May 23, 2023.