Street Row Death In Focus

The tragic death of a young Leitrim man after an assault in Dublin city centre two years ago has been reviewed in court today.

The victim, 22-year-old Liam McGowan, from Kinlough in Leitrim, died after spending three weeks on life support machine following the assault in the early hours 20 August 2006.

His family said that nothing could have prepared them for the pain they felt at losing such a loving brother, son and friend.

His brother told the court how proud they were of the commerce graduate who made friends easily and trusted everyone.

Liam's brother, Raymond, was speaking as the accused, Michael Carroll, 22, of Lower Dominick Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr McGovern. Anthony Carroll (25) of St Attracta's Road in Cabra pleaded guilty to robbing the victim on the same date.

The court heard how Mr McGowan had been on his way home from a night out when he struck up a conversation with both defendants in a pub near Hardwicke Street.

All three had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and although the victim had no previous association with drugs, the conversation turned to obtaining cocaine, the court was told.

Michael Carroll admitted to throwing a punch at the victim after a row erupted over cocaine, which Anthony Carroll had procured.

The court was told that the victim fell and hit his head and both men fled the scene. A passer-by brought the victim to hospital where he died three weeks later.

Lawyers told the court that Michael Carroll had not intended to seriously harm the victim and was shocked when he heard the outcome and then, both men expressed sincere regret to Mr McGowan's family.

Michael Carroll had no previous convictions. Anthony Carroll had a number of traffic and public order convictions.

Judge Patrick Ryan adjourned sentencing until 25 February to read reports submitted by the men's barristers.

(BMcC/JM)