Dunbar manslaughter appeal up for mention

An appeal by Ronnie Dunbar against his conviction for the manslaughter of Sligo teenager Melissa Mahon is up for mention in the Court of Criminal appeal this morning.

The 44 year old from Rathbraughan Park in Sligo was convicted of killing the 14 year old and dumping her body in the river Bonnet in September 2006.

After a five week trial he was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to life in prison, a sentence which he is currently serving.

During sentencing in May of last year, Mr Justice Barry White said she lost her life at Dunbar’s hands as a disturbed and vulnerable child.

He said Dunbar executed the cover up of his crime in a calculated way and he said Dunbar came across to him as being disdainful or scornful if not contemptuous.

He handed down life saying this was a case where there were exceptional circumstances.

The case is down for mention in the Court of Criminal Appeal at 10.15 this morning.