Seven Year Sentence For Wife Killer

The judge presiding over what has been the most discussed trial so far this year has finally delivered his sentence of seven years to Eamonn Lillis, for the manslaughter of his wife.

Judge Barry White sentenced Ellis today at the Central Criminal Court to six years and 11 months in jail for the manslaughter of his wife Celine Cawley at their home in Howth, Co Dublin on December 15th, 2008.

Judge White said it was clear from the jury verdict they had rejected his contention that he had no responsibility for his wife's death.

The judge also said the appropriate sentence for the offence would be ten years but, having considered yesterday's statements to the sentencing hearing, he was jailing Lillis for six years and 11 months as he had already spent three weeks in custody last year while awaiting bail.

During the hearing yesterday, a victim impact statement from the Cawley family was read out by Celine's sister Susanna Cawley where she reffered to “treacherous lies” told by Lillis after the killing.

Lillis had insisted during Gardaí questioning and for much of the trial that a burglar had broken in and killed his wife.

"It is clear to me from the victim impact statement presented by Susanna Cawley that your behaviour has had a devastating effect on people of all ages," Mr Justice White said.

"From your father-in-law, who is some 80 years of age, down to your own daughter, who is 17 years of age."

Lillis is to be sent to Mountjoy Prison where he will be formally processed before being transferred to another prison where he will serve out the sentence.

(DW/BMcC)