A man allegedly broke into an apartment, demanded sex, and fatally stabbed a man 27 times before being arrested.

A woman and her son fled their apartment in Ballina, County Mayo, after Liam O'Leary, 33, allegedly forced entry on October 23–24, 2024, demanding sex and refusing to leave despite repeated warnings. Joanna Forde, who lived across from victim John Casserly, 58, testified she felt "absolute dread" as O'Leary, naked from the waist up, entered her home, ranted about needing sex, and confronted Casserly, who was seen holding a metal pole while trying to protect their dog. She escaped with her son as Casserly, last seen alive by her, was fatally stabbed 27 times, suffered severe facial trauma including the removal of his left eye, and had a blade driven through his mouth into his skull. A bent butter knife was also found in his anus. Gardaí found O'Leary standing over Casserly, fully clothed, when they entered the apartment at 12:50 a.m. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty. The trial continues.