Archaeologist was stabbed 17 times, murder trial hears

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that archaeologist Emmett Connolly sustained 17 stab wounds during an incident at a house in Cootehill, County Cavan on September 28, 2013. Kevin Moran, aged 30, of Lodgeview, Cootehill, is charged with Mr Connolly's murder. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis gave evidence describing the fatal injuries, predominantly to the deceased's left shoulder, arm and upper back. Several wounds penetrated deeply, with one reaching 12 centimetres and damaging the left lung. Dr Curtis stated the cause of death was multiple stab wounds. The court heard Mr Connolly, aged 32, an archaeologist who had recently returned from Australia, had high levels of alcohol in his system. The prosecution argued the evidence pointed to murder, while the defence submitted circumstances surrounding Mr Moran's personal loss were relevant to the case. The trial was continuing.