NATIONAL: Convicted murderer Michael Leonard dies while serving life sentence

The Irish Prison Service has confirmed the death of a convicted murderer who was serving a life sentence in Cork Prison.

Michael Leonard died in hospital earlier this week while in the custody of the Irish Prison Service. The 63-year-old previously pleaded guilty to the murder of Mary O'Keeffe in Doneraile, north Cork and was sentenced to life in prison in December of 2023.

Mr Leonard, who was originally from Co. Limerick, had set the car the 72-year-old was in on fire and she burned to death.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service confirmed his death: “The Irish Prison Service can confirm that there was a death of a person in custody of Cork Prison on February 27, 2024 and the next of kin have been notified.

“All deaths in custody are investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant."

The statement added: “The cause of death is determined by the Coroner’s Office."

It is understood Mr Leonard had been battling cancer in the months prior to his death.