16 - The Nally Case: Murder or Self Defence?

Living in an isolated area is never easy. Its even more frightening when you're and elderly farmer living on his own, certain that there are people scoping out your home for break-ins. Add that to high - profile incidents of violent robberies across the Irish countryside, and it most certainly becomes a tense situation. But does defending your land and property mean you can take a life? In 2004 Padraig Nally faced this exact situation. But was he justified in his actions? And did discrimination play a part in the altercation at his farmhouse and the subsequent trial? This week we look at the the events surrounding the Nally Case and the impact it had on Irish Law. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mensreapod/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/MensReaPod) ! With thanks to our supporters on Patreon! If you would like to support the podcast, head on over to Patreon.com (https://www.patreon.com/MensReaPod) . Podcast Promos: This week check out  Murder on the Mind and Murder and Such (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-and-such/id1255329049) podcasts Theme Music: Quinn’s Song: The Dance Begins by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Sources: Crona Esler, Unless by Invitation (Dublin: Blackwater Press, 2014) Purchase here (https://www.amazon.com/Unless-Invitation-Crimes-Shocked-Ireland/dp/1909974005) Natasha Reid, “Man found not guilty of murdering trespasser with shears” in The Irish Times https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/criminal-court/man-found-not-guilty-of-murdering-trespasser-with-shears-1.3426822 (14 March 2018)  Paul Cullen, “Law lets householders use reasonable force” in The Irish Timeshttps://www.irishtimes.com/news/law-lets-householders-use-reasonable-force-1.443683 (13 January 2013) "Nally manslaughter trial begins” from RTE news https://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1204/83271-wardj/ (4 December 2006)  “Nally found not guilty of manslaughter” from RTE News https://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1214/83671-nallyp/ (14 Decemver 2006)  Bunreacht na hEireann (find it at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/cons/en)  Criminal Law (Defence of the Dwelling) Act 2011 (find it at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/cons/en)    For more information on the Travelling Community in Ireland : http://www.paveepoint.ie/irish-travellers-and-roma/