A 23-year-old man has pleaded guilty to murdering two men and intentionally causing harm to a third in Sligo last year.

On Monday, at the Central Criminal Court, Yousef Palani, of Markievicz Heights in Sligo, pleaded guilty to the murder of Aidan Moffitt at Cartron Heights in Sligo on April 10, 2022 and the murder of Michael Snee at City View, Connaughton Road, Sligo, on April 12, 2022.

Palani further pleaded guilty to causing serious harm to Anthony Burke at Cleveragh Road in Sligo on April 9, 2022.

Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring empahsised how important it was victim impact statements be prepared, saying it was important that they be heard. She also extended her sympathy to the families of the deceased.

The matter had previously been listed for a four-week trial on November 13 next, but the matter has now been adjourned to October 23 for sentencing.

Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC told Mr Justice McDermott that Palani had "a preference for a different senior counsel," in a brief hearing, and in those circumstances, he asked the court's leave for Michael Bowman SC to represent the defendant instead.

In addition, Mr Grehan told the judge that various records had been sought for Palani from the Central Mental Hospital and from Castlerea Prison in Roscommon, but the defence team was still awaiting those.

Mr Justice McDermott asked Mr Grehan whether reports had been sought from experts.

The lawyer reminded the judge that he had informed the court on April 26 that the defence had procured their own psychiatric assessment and it was not their intention to share this with the prosecution.

At this April 26 hearing, Mr Grehan informed Mr Justice McDermott that the defence had received a psychiatric assessment for their client that week.

Mr Grehan said the next step would have to be discussed with the accused, who was on remand in Castlerea Prison, and that “two due diligence matters will have to be dealt with”. These were concerned with exhibits in the case and records from the Central Mental Hospital, Grehan added.

Vigils were held nationwide last year after the murders and attacks that Palani has pleaded guilty to.