Teenager to be sentenced for fatal twin stabbing

Gerard Quinn died from a single stab wound to his throat caused by a broken glass outside a house in the Currynierin area of the city last May.

The 24-year old father-of-one sustained the fatal wound in the garden of a house at Milldale Crescent on the evening of Saturday May 21. Also injured during the incident was his twin brother Michael.

A 17-year old appeared at Londonderry Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, today where he was told that he will be sentenced next month.

Earlier this year, the teenager was charged with murder, but pleaded guilty instead to a charge of manslaughter.

Prosecuting barrister Keiran Murphy QC told today’s hearing that the Crown has accepted the manslaughter plea.

When he was asked to stand during today’s hearing and was charged with wounding Michael Quinn, he replied: “guilty.”

Following today’s plea to the wounding charge, Mr Justice Treacy was told by the teenager’s barrister that both a pre-sentence report and a psychologist’s report will be compiled ahead of sentencing.

The Judge also heard that Victim Impact Reports from members of Mr Quinn’s family will also be handed into the court.

Mr Justice Treacy told the teenager that he will be sentenced for both offences on June 16 before remanding him back into custody.