Man jailed over brutal double murder released after 38 years behind bars
Brian Fortune was jailed for life in 1986 for the brutal murder of 64-year-old Margaret Nolan of Kilbride
One of Ireland’s longest serving inmates was released from prison last week after serving 38 years behind bars for a double murder.
Twisted killer Brian Fortune was serving a life sentence at Dublin’s Arbour Hill Prison after being jailed in 1986 for the brutal murder of 64-year-old Margaret Nolan at her farmhouse in Kilbride, Co Wicklow.
Fortune, who was an 18-year-old farm worker at the time, was never sentenced for the murder of her daughter Anne, 24, following a plea agreement.
READ MORE: Tributes to 90 year-old hero who died saving woman's life in Cork car park crash
READ MORE: Storm Ashley: Orange weather warning extended to more counties ahead of Storm Ashley's arrival
The two women’s bodies were found battered, bruised and semi-naked in their home in November 1985.
Fortune was released on Wednesday morning after being informed that his freedom had been granted by the parole board just the day before.
A source told the Irish Sunday Mirror how Fortune, who bears no resemblance to his younger self, had been getting temporary day release to attend a course. The source said: “Fortune was deemed a model prisoner and had been allowed out to attend a course at two different locations in Dublin.
“There has been talk of him being released for years now but it had never happened but he got word on Tuesday evening that he was to walk from prison the following morning.
“Everybody was shocked at the quick turn around but it’s understood to have been done that way in order to avoid any possible media waiting at the jail gates.
“Along with double killer John Shaw, Fortune was the longest serving prisoner at the jail, having served 38 years after being locked up when he was just 18.
“He looks completely different now and is chubby with tight cut back hair.
“He’s originally from Wicklow but is not believed to be going back there to live.”
Fortune’s horrific crime during a cold day on November 27, 1985, shocked the nation with its brutality.
Anne Nolan and her body was found semi-naked in the pantry of the house while her mother’s body was discovered in the sitting room of the house and she was also partially undressed.
Fortune had previously been employed by Margaret Nolan as a farm labourer.
Fortune was never sentenced for Anne’s death following a plea agreement which spared the Nolan family from graphic details of her murder.
Inquests into the deaths found both women died from asphyxia caused by strangulation.
Anne had bruising to her neck, face and body and showed signs of a struggle consistent with a violent physical and sexual assault.
According to state pathologist Dr John Harbison, Margaret’s body was “remarkably injury free” which he said indicated little or no struggle had taken place.
However, he said she had “internal bleeding from possible violent sexual intercourse”.
Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
