Brother of a Kilkenny woman, who was killed in 2008, calls for longer life sentences

The brother of a woman who was killed with her two daughters in Kilkenny in 2008 says “life should mean life” for jail sentences.

John Whelan’s sister Sharon and her two daughters were killed on Christmas day 2008 when their home in Windgap was set on fire by then local postman Brian Hennessey.

Mr Hennessey was handed down one life sentence for the murders, but John Whelan feels this isn’t enough.

John, who’s currently chairman of ‘Advic’ a charity that helps the families of victims of homicide was speaking ahead of a fundraiser in Kilkenny Rivercourt tonight at 8pm.

Speaking to Sue Nunn, he said it was never clarified which murder Brian Hennessey is serving the life sentence for and he said the justice system needs to be improved.