The brutal killing of a Dundalk taxi driver back in 2013 shocked the local community and left many wondering what could drive a man to commit such a horrific act. Now, seven years later, the man responsible for the crime has been thrust back into the spotlight as he faces new charges just days after his release from prison. As the trial unfolds, many are left questioning the justice system and whether this man should have been allowed to walk free at all.
A man who was released from prison just last week after serving a “significant jail sentence” for manslaughter has been charged with nine offences, reported Lisburn Magistrates Court. Joseph Hillen, 28, from the Foughilletra Road in Jonesborough, was arrested on several aggravated domestic abuse-related charges earlier this month, including dangerous driving, criminal damage and assault. Hillen was also accused of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, possessing Class A cocaine, assaulting a police officer, aggravated car theft, and driving uninsured without a licence. Police requested that he be refused bail because he was “at risk of further offences” and had just served time for manslaughter.
The manslaughter conviction dates back to September 2015, when Hillen was found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison for the murder of taxi driver Martin Mulligan. The Dublin Central Criminal Court heard that, after initially denying any involvement in Mulligan’s death, Hillen confessed that he had stabbed the taxi driver to death after an altercation which arose over rubbish allegedly being dumped on land his friend owned. Hillen declared that he had “flipped” Mulligan’s knife away from him and then twice “jabbed out” with it to defend himself. Although Hillen’s sentence included a final year suspended, it was increased following an appeal by prosecutors, who claimed that it was unduly lenient.
Last week, Hillen’s mother reported an incident at her home involving her son. She claimed that Hillen had driven a car directly at her, causing damage to a wall and railing, before he proceeded to launch an attack on her. Hillen told the court that he had “just lost the plot and that his mother was annoying because she had asked him to leave”. Hillen was found guilty of drunk driving, criminal damage and assault.
Despite Hillen’s defence lawyer requesting bail, authorities granted it on condition that he observe a curfew, remain sober and avoid any contact with his mother. The case has been adjourned until 19 April.
