A Dublin man who kicked his partner so hard that he ruptured her liver has been sentenced to life in prison for her murder.
Derek Finlay of Killanarden, Tallaght, Co Dublin, had denied murdering Noeleen Brennan, his partner of 21 years, in November 2008.
Finlay was given a mandatory life sentence for the murder of the 38-year-old mother of three just over two years ago.
During his trial the court heard that the couple had a violent relationship and got into a row over valium after a day drinking and watching TV in their home.
During the row he caught her by the throat and they both fell down the stairs.
Finlay then kicked her in the stomach. He compared it to a penalty kick in interviews with detectives.
Ms Brennan’s liver was split and she died from shock and a haemorrhage hours later in Tallaght hospital.
Finlay had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but was convicted of murder.
The couple had three children together, and in a victim impact statement Ms Brennan’s brother said the children have lost everything and their family is devastated.
