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05 Sept 2025

62-year-old man pleads guilty to unlawful killing of mother by arson

The man had been due to go on trial next month accused of murdering his mother in 2022

62-year-old man pleads guilty to unlawful killing of mother by arson

Gardaí at the scene where the house fire took place at Coolvoy, Doochary in April 2022

A murder charge will be dropped against a 62-year-old man after he pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing by arson of his mother, who died in a house fire.

Geunter Lohse appeared at the Central Criminal Court today, Wednesday, where he had been due to go on trial next month accused of murdering his mother Ruth Lohse at Coolvoy, Doochary, on April 12, 2022. 

Prosecuting barrister Phillip Rahn SC told the court that a plea of guilty to the unlawful killing of Ms Lohse would be accepted while a charge of arson could be taken into account. A "nolle prosequi" to withdraw the murder charge will be entered at a sentencing hearing on May 16.

Mr Lohse replied, "I am guilty", to the charge that he unlawfully killed his mother by a criminal and dangerous act, namely arson. 

Michael Bowman SC, for Lohse, said a psychiatric report will be opened to the court while Mr Rahn indicated that the Lohse family will make a statement at the sentencing hearing.

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