Man to be sentenced for murder in southwest Donegal

Eddie Friel (left) was found deceased in his Killybegs home. James Spendley was arrested a short time later | NW Newspix

placeholder image — Eddie Friel (left) was found deceased in his Killybegs home. James Spendley was arrested a short time later | NW Newspix

James Spendley faces a mandatory life sentence for the murder of Eddie Friel in Killybegs

A 59-year-old man is due to be sentenced today (Monday) for the murder of Eddie Friel.

At the Central Criminal Court on October 7, James Spendley, of St Cummin's Hill, Killybegs, pleaded guilty to the murder of 61-year-old Eddie Friel at Harbour View Drive, Killybegs, between April 12/13, 2025.

Defence counsel, Desmond Dockery SC, asked for a governor's report on the defendant. He told the court that the defence had received a psychiatric report at the end of August, which sets out the defendant's background.

Spendley has been remanded in custody and faces a mandatory life sentence for murder.