No lawyer for killer’s appeal
IRENE MURDER MAN’S BID DELAYED
A KILLER described as “the middleman” in the murder of Irene White said he cannot advance his appeal because he cannot find a solicitor willing to represent him.
Niall Power (51), of Giles Quay, Dundalk, Co Louth had pleaded guilty to the murder of Ms White (43) at her home at Ice House, Dundalk, on April 6, 2005.
Power, who was given life in prison in July 2019, was the second man to be given the same sentence for murdering the mother-of-three 19 years ago.
The man who actually stabbed Ms White to death, Anthony Lambe (41), of Annadrumman, Co Monaghan, was jailed for life in January 2018 after he pleaded guilty to murder.
Power handed himself into gardai the day after the knife attacker had been sentenced to life for the same crime. Both men said they were acting under instructions of another individual.
At the Court of Appeal yesterday, he told court president Mr Justice George Birmingham that he has been unable to secure a solicitor to represent him.
He said: “I’ve tried, no one will take me on. I’ve rang 20 or 30 different ones, and no one’s interested because of the position I’m in.”
Speaking as he managed a dormant review list of cases, Mr Justice Birmingham said many of the solicitors on the legal aid panel are “very anxious for work”.
Power replied: “What can I do? I’m in prison, my hands are tied here.”
End
Mr Justice Birmingham said he would put the matter back for a number of months and told Power that he will either have to find a solicitor or say things have “come to an end”.
Power said there had already been a twoand-a-half year period during which time he had been unable to secure representation. He said: “I can’t personally force a solicitor to take me on. If I can’t get one what am I supposed to do?”
Adjourning the matter to December 6, Mr Justice Birmingham reiterated that there were “hundreds” of solicitors available on the legal aid panel.