Teresa Mannion visits Sligo town in the aftermath of Yousef Palani's murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee, crimes deemed the most brutal homophobic attacks in the history of the State.
This week, 23-year-old Yousef Palani was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in Co Sligo last year.
"He should not get out from behind bars for at least 30 years and even then, who is to say he wouldn't do it again." "They never wanted this attention. This evil man has shattered so many lives. All we can do now is try to heal from this, keep our hearts open and move on." The Central Criminal Court heard that the attacks were motivated by ''hostility and prejudice" towards homosexual men.
In his victim impact statement, he said:"I spent 49 years suppressing my sexuality, but then I had no choice when I was attacked, due to my sexuality." He said:"Aidan Moffitt was a friend and a colleague within the Fine Gael party who I know was motivated and involved in politics to advance the cause of Sligo and this country.
Arthur Gibbons, a Sinn Féin councillor and former mayor of Sligo Borough, is a personal friend of the Snee family.He said:"Michael Snee was a quiet, reserved man who was loved by all. His father is well into his 80s and I'll be dropping by to see how he is holding up in the next day or two."One of his sisters has since died. This was the act of a depraved, evil human being who committed brutal, savage crimes.
"But I would still be wary of approaching people unless I knew them. Ireland is supposed to be a country that is accepting of different communities and what that entails. "I'm so lucky and blessed to live and work between London and LA where I'm completely accepted for who I am. "It was harrowing for poor Anthony Burke to have to come out in this gut-wrenching fashion, but equally it was the only way to advance the investigation and to protect the gay community.
He said:"Out of respect for the victims, their families, and every member of this community that was so traumatically affected by this incident, we will graciously refuse the interview invitation. "The brutal attack on these two men and the attack on Anthony, serve as a stark reminder that prejudice and violence still persist in society.
"Today’s sentencing is another milestone in what has been a dark chapter for the families, friends and wider community.
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