Man jailed for 24 years for manslaughter of Irish woman in New York

Sarah McNally from Longford died after she was stabbed in a bar on Saturday 30 March last year

A man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the manslaughter of an Irish woman in New York last year.

Sarah McNally, who was originally from County Longford, died after being stabbed at the Céilí House pub in Maspeth in Queens.

Marcin Pieciak stabbed Ms McNally 19 times.

He had been charged with murder, but agreed to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter last month.

In court Pieciak reaffirmed his guilt and said he accepted the sentence.

He said he had no explanation for his actions, and said he thought about Ms McNally every day and what he had done.

Addressing her family in Ireland, Pieciak said: "I know it's too soon now, but I hope one day for forgiveness."

The stabbing happened in an Irish bar in Maspeth, Queens

Ms McNally had been in a relationship with Pieciak but had ended the relationship and told him she was returning to Ireland.

She had been working as a bartender in the Céilí House Bar when Pieciak attacked her.

He stabbed her 19 times causing severe injury to her neck, back and chest.

She suffered damage to her carotid artery and her spine was severed.

She was taken to hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead.

Pieciak attempted to stab himself in the neck with a second blade he had in his possession, but was stopped by patrons in the pub, who detained him until police arrived.