LAST UPDATE | 6 Mar 2023

A MAN HAS been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of the body of an elderly man at a house in Castlebar, Co. Mayo last night. 

The dead man has been named locally as John Brogan, 83, from Pheasant Hill, Cloonkeen, Castlebar, Co Mayo.

The man’s body was discovered when emergency services were called after reports of a fire at his home on the outskirts of Castlebar. The dead man was found inside the residence after the blaze had been extinguished – it is understood he was shot a number of times.

Gardaí had investigated him for a number of historic allegations of sexual abuse.

The Journal has learned that John Brogan had been on trial last week for 20 charges related to child sexual abuse.

He was acquitted on four of those counts by direction of the trial judge and then acquitted by the jury on 16 of the charges. The alleged victim in that case was a woman who was a child at the time of the alleged abuse.

Separately he was due to go on trial for 45 charges related to another alleged victim.

The scene remains sealed off this afternoon – gardaí have confirmed that Dr Margot Bolster, Assistant State Pathologist has visited the property. The body will be removed for a post mortem later today.

Gardaí have detained the arrested man under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be held for up to 24 hours. 

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station. 

With reporting from Rónán Duffy.