A man has pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of his sister who was fatally shot earlier this year.
Derek Boyd, 27, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court via video-link on Friday where he reaffirmed his signed guilty pleas from the district court. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully killing his sister, Sandra Boyd, at his home in Collins Place, Finglas, on March 19 this year.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol and one count of unlawfully possessing ammunition on the same date. Michael Bowman SC, defending, told the court he required a bit of time to prepare a psychological report. Victim impact statements were also ordered.
Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the matter for sentence on November 28. The court heard Boyd, who is in custody, will appear in court in person on that date. Emergency services rushed mum-of-five Ms Boyd to the Mater Hospital after she was shot in the chest, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The 36-year-old's funeral was held at St Canice’s Church in Finglas on March 28, where her heartbroken sister paid tribute. “Sandra loved the simple things in life. She never asked for much and all that she had she gave to her children," she said.
“Sandra will live on in so many hearts, especially her children, her Mam, Dad, brother’s sisters nieces and nephews aunts uncles and cousins. We would like to thank everybody for your love and support you have given to Sandra and our family over the past week."
Sandra’s white coffin was brought to the church in a horse and carriage - with a saxophone player playing the song ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay. Young students from local Beneavin College also formed a guard of honour as the coffin was brought into the church. Symbols were later brought to the altar by her sons Ben, Jordan, Luke and Carter to symbolize her life.
