Man who murdered Aoife Phelan in 2012 dies in prison

It is understood that Robert Corbet died by suicide in Mountjoy Prison today.

2.12pm, 26 Jan 2026

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ROBERT CORBET, WHO was serving a life sentence for the 2012 murder of Aoife Phelan, has died in custody.

It is understood that he died by suicide in Mountjoy Prison today.

Corbet was sentenced in 2014 after he was found guilty of murdering the 30-year-old nanny.

Aoife Phelan’s body was found in a barrel that was buried 10 feet below ground behind Corbet’s home.

In a statement, the Irish Prison Service confirmed the death of a person in custody in Mountjoy Prison today.

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

“The cause of death is determined by the Coroner’s Office.”