A 22-year-old man pleaded guilty to murdering a father of two in his north Co Dublin home nearly three years ago at a Central Criminal Court pre-trial hearing on Friday.
Owen Maughan, of Dun Saithne Avenue, Balbriggan, was charged with murdering Christopher Hall (65) at his home in Dun Saithne Green, Balbriggan, Co Dublin between November 23rd and 24th, 2021, both dates inclusive.
The prosecution's case was led by Garret Baker SC, while Philipp Rahn SC headed up the defence team.
The pre-trial hearing, which commenced before Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court on Friday, was expected to last two-and-a half weeks.
However, on Friday afternoon, Maughan indicated he wished to be arraigned and entered a guilty plea to the single charge on the indictment of murdering Mr Hall.
The judge directed the preparation of a victim impact report and remanded Maughan in custody until July 8th.
On that date it is expected he will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment.
