Man Jailed For 8 Years For Helping To Get Rid Of The Body Of A Murder Victim.

Tuesday, 27 July 2021 15:51

Gardaí believe Jonathan Duke was strangled and thrown into the River Bandon in Cork

A convicted murderer has been handed an eight-year prison sentence for helping to get rid of the body of another murder victim ten years ago.

Gardaí believe Jonathan Duke was strangled and thrown into the River Bandon in Cork because he found out about the first killing.

Our Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney reports:

"In November 2011, the body of John Forrester, a 42yo boatmaker was found in the River Bandon, wrapped in carpet.

Catherine O’Connor, who lived in the same building at Bridge House, Seán Hales Place in Bandon, is serving a life sentence for his murder.

The day after he was strangled to death, she murdered another neighbour, 27yo Jonathan Duke.

Gardaí believe he was killed because he knew what happened to Mr Forrester.

At the time, O’Connor was living with her boyfriend, Ciprian Grozavu.

He was also convicted of both murders, but his conviction for Mr Duke’s was overturned on appeal and he was later acquitted by direction of a judge.

The 47yo Romanian man did admit helping O’Connor to get rid of the body afterwards and was handed an eight year sentence for it today."

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