Teen accused of killing kind man in Co Kildare

A trial has begun in Co Kildare for Brian Ibe, accused of murdering Peter Kennedy in 2020. Kennedy, a 65-year-old retired probation officer, died from serious head injuries at his home. The prosecution stated that there is no dispute Ibe attacked Kennedy. Ibe, 24, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He also faces charges for assaulting a police officer during his arrest. The court heard Ibe's mother had issues with homelessness and had lived with Kennedy, along with her son, prior to the incident. Trouble began in late 2019, leading Ibe to leave Kennedy's home and stay in a hostel. On April 28, 2020, he returned to Kennedy's house, breaking in through a window. Witnesses, including Ibe’s mother, testified that she saw him attack Kennedy. When police arrived, they found Kennedy seriously injured. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital, where he died on May 12, 2020. An autopsy revealed he suffered traumatic head injuries from a blunt object. CCTV footage shown in court captured Ibe’s actions before the attack, including him taking what appeared to be a knife from a hostel. The trial is ongoing, with the jury tasked to determine Ibe's mental state during the incident.