Teenager Jailed for Five Years for Manslaughter of Ryan Weir Gibbons

A teenager has been sentenced to five years in custody for the manslaughter of Ryan Weir Gibbons, who died in Kildare town less than a year ago. Ryan Murphy, 19, admitted to the unlawful killing of Gibbons, 29, following an assault that occurred four days prior to his death.

Gibbons sustained a traumatic head injury when he fell to the ground after being punched during the incident in the Magee Terrace area. He later died at Naas Hospital. Murphy, who was 18 at the time of the offense, had no prior contact with gardaí and was a youth rugby player for Leinster.

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I'll smash your head in.

CCTV footage reviewed by Judge Elva Duffy showed Gibbons on a bus alone before Murphy's group boarded in Newbridge. An altercation ensued on the bus after Gibbons reacted to noise. Murphy made a threat, and a scuffle broke out, with passengers and the bus driver attempting to intervene. After the bus stopped, Murphy, despite attempts by a friend to calm him, sought out Gibbons. The judge noted that Gibbons had his hands up, trying to de-escalate, but Murphy struck him, causing him to fall and hit his head.

In sentencing, Judge Duffy acknowledged Murphy's remorse and distress, stating he would live with regret. She noted that those who know him struggle to reconcile his actions with his character, but emphasized that his actions were devastating and he "made it clear he was up for a fight." The five-year sentence considered Murphy's remorse, lack of previous convictions, and his plea. The courthouse was filled with supporters from both families, with audible sobs heard after the proceedings.

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he made it clear he was up for a fight