Londonderry: Man jailed for three years over father's body kept at home

John Garrett O'Sullivan, 56, was sentenced to three years — half in custody and half on licence — after admitting preventing his father's lawful burial between 1 and 18 July 2024.

A man has been sentenced after his father's death and the subsequent discovery of the father's remains at their home in Derry. John Garrett O'Sullivan, 56, admitted preventing his father's lawful burial between 1 and 18 July 2024. At Londonderry Crown Court the judge imposed a three-year sentence, to be served half in custody and half on licence. The judge said the conduct had caused misery to surviving family members. Key details: - The defendant admitted preventing a lawful burial between 1 and 18 July 2024. - The deceased was reported as 86-year-old Noel O'Sullivan and was found at the family home on Culmore Road in Derry. - The court sentenced John Garrett O'Sullivan to three years, with half in custody and half on licence, and ordered he not approach family members without prior approval. - The defendant was described in court as having a history of mental health issues, has no previous criminal record, and was assessed as a medium risk of further offending while engaging with community mental health services. Summary: The judge described the case as a tragedy and said the defendant's actions caused indignity and harm to the family, which informed the sentence and licence conditions. Officials noted the defendant's mental health history and ongoing engagement with community services. Undetermined at this time.