Father of murdered Offaly boy asks judge to sentence him for drugs offence

THE father of murdered Edenderry four-year-old Tadgh Farrell has asked to be sentenced for a serious drugs offence.

Aaron Holt (27), Castleview Park, Edenderry, appeared before Tullamore Circuit Court by video link from prison where he is awaiting sentence for having more than €13,000 worth of drugs for sale or supply to others.

Mr Holt has already pleaded guilty to committing the offence at Castleview Park on May 8, 2024.

A probation report was ordered by Judge Keenan Johnson in October and the matter was listed for mention at the court sitting on Tuesday morning (January 13).

Suzanne Dooner, BL, for Mr Holt, asked that sentencing take place on Thursday and Judge Johnson made that order, adding that the accused be produced in person in court that day.

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At this point Mr Holt, who was watching and listening to the brief proceedings by video link said: “Judge can I get sentenced on that day please?”

Judge Johnson indicated that he will be sentenced on Thursday.

A co-accused, Shane O'Neill (26), The Sycamores, Edenderry, who has also pleaded guilty, will be sentenced on the same day. A probation report has been ordered for him.

The offence carries a minimum of 10 years in prison though a judge can apply a lesser sentence in certain circumstances.

Aaron Holt's son Tadgh Farrell and the boy's grand-aunt Mary Holt were both killed when the house at Castleview Park in Edenderry where they were on the evening of December 6 last was firebombed.

Tadgh's grandmother Pauline Holt was also in the house and was hospitalised afterwards.

Aaron Holt applied for bail to attend his son's funeral but was refused.