'Our hearts shattered' - Family of Laois woman who was killed say they've got no justice

The family of a Laois woman who was killed over three years ago said they were forced to "relive the nightmare" after a man was found guilty of manslaughter for her death.

Sharon Crean died following a fatal assault at her apartment in College Avenue, Mountmellick, on December 14, 2022.

More than three years on from Sharon's death, Sean Egan (39) of no fixed abode, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter through diminished responsibility, on Monday, March 9 at a sitting of the High Court in Cork. 

Sharon's mother, Catherine, and sister, Tara, have said their family were left heartbroken by the verdict of manslaughter. 

"Our hearts were literally shattered. It was like when we got that phone call that Sharon passed away. It was like that all over again. We were just reliving that nightmare," Tara explained.

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Tara told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that her family just wanted justice for Sharon and admitted "we thought we would get that after everything she went through."

Given the nature of Sharon's death, the family did not think manslaughter was even an option. 

It has been a long journey for the Crean family since Sharon's death just before Christmas in 2022, Tara said. 

Hearing the details in court of what happened to Sharon on the day she died was described as "horrific" for the family.

"We had to sit there and listen to that 999 call. We all heard Sharon, the way she was speaking, the way her breath was getting weaker and weaker. It was just horrific."

The case is up for mention on April 13 and sentencing is expected in the coming months. However, Tara said: "Whatever sentence he gets, it's not going to bring Sharon back."

Frustrated with the outcome on Monday, Tara stated: "We did not get justice. She had a little boy and her little boy is going to grow up without Sharon now."

Tara said that her and her family continue to mourn the loss of Sharon everyday. 

"It's a struggle every day. It's a struggle for all of us because no matter what we do or where we go, everything reminds us of her.

"She was a big part of us all, my mam's eldest daughter. Sharon was a very good person. She was so bubbly and she was kind and caring."