Man pleads guilty to manslaughter over father and daughter killed in Co Kerry house fire – The Irish Times

A man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a father and his five-year-old daughter, who died in a house fire in Co Kerry more than 12 years ago.

Philip Griffin (37), of no fixed abode but originally from Tralee, appeared at the Central Criminal Court on Monday where he was arraigned for the murder of Anthony O’Brien (30) and Nadine O’Brien in Killeen Heights in Tralee in May. 12, 2012.

Speaking via video link from prison, Griffin pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to two charges of manslaughter.

Róisín Lacey SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the pleas to manslaughter were acceptable. She said a third charge related to starting the fire would not be pursued.

Family members of the victims were in court to hear Griffin’s plea.

Judge Paul McDermott requested a probation report and the preparation of victim impact statements for a sentencing hearing to be held on December 16.