The man accused of tying up and beating to death a pensioner in Mullingar told gardaí he wanted the dead man's money, a murder trial jury in the Central Criminal Court heard yesterday.
Garda Vincent Hoey was giving evidence in the trial of Ian Kinahan (37), of no fixed abode. He has admitted to the manslaughter but denies the murder of Michael Creighton (82) between August 31st and September 4th, 2005, at the pensioner's flat in Castle Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
Garda Hoey said Mr Kinahan "initially seemed okay but then he began to become a little bit agitated". He said Mr Kinahan then turned around and said: "I did not mean to kill him, I did not mean to kill him."
He said that after being cautioned, Mr Kinahan continued: "You know me - I never hurt anybody. I wanted his money . . . What was a few pounds to that man? I didn't mean to kill him. Why? Why?" Garda Hoey said he then "started sobbing and crying".
The trial before Mr Justice Barry White and a jury continues today.