Case Studies:

Gary Baird sentenced to seven years

July 16, 2024

Gary Baird sentenced following guilty plea to manslaughter.

Gary Baird was arrested in August 2020 after he admitted to killing his wife, Susan Baird. Mr Baird was subsequently charged with the murder of his wife.

Finucane Toner Solicitors represented Mr Baird throughout, from the initial PACE interview in August 2020 until sentencing in July 2024. Ciarán Toner led this case.

It has been widely reported that Mr Baird suffered from mental health issues. After initially being charged with murder, Gary Baird pleaded guilty to manslaughter in May 2024 after Finucane Toner commissioned a number of psychiatric reports commenting on his mental wellbeing. The PPS accepted this plea.

Mr Baird was sentenced to 7 years; 3 years of which are to be served in custody and the remaining 4 on licence. Mr Baird is due to be released later this year.

McFarland J's sentencing remarks can be read here.

Ciarán Toner commented that this case "starkly demonstrates the complete lack of mental health services available in our society".

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