Pensioner killer gets life term

Arthur Francis Murray must serve at least 12 years in prison

A County Tyrone man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the manslaughter of a neighbour.

Arthur Francis Murray's plea to causing the death of 76-year-old Patrick McGrath was accepted on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

He had also admitted attacking Mr McGrath's sister, Philomena, and causing her grievous bodily harm at Killeen Crossroads near Coalisland.

The judge said Murray, 46, should serve at least 12 years in prison.

He said he should only be released if the right conditions were in place.

The pensioner was killed at his County Tyrone home

Mr McGrath, 76, was found dead at his home in December 2005.

His 68-year-old sister sustained serious head injuries and a number of broken bones during the attack. Murray lived yards from Mr McGrath.

Last November, a murder charge against him was dropped when he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The prosecution accepted the lesser pleas following three psychiatric reports.