Courts / Dublin / Report
Bragging letters written by man convicted of Melanie McCarthy murder should not have gone before jury, appeal hears
Summary
In the Court of Appeal, Daniel McDonnell's lawyers argued that letters he wrote while in custody, bragging about the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy, were unreliable and should not have been admitted to the jury. McDonnell, 23, had been convicted of the murder on the basis of these letters and a single piece of graffiti. His barrister, Bernard Condon SC, contended that the letters were produced by a 17‑year‑old in a 23‑hour lock‑up, with a history of drug use and limited education, making them suspect. He highlighted the lack of other evidence linking McDonnell to the crime and the absence of safeguards during the letters' creation. The prosecution, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, maintained that the letters were voluntary, lucid, and highly probative. The appeal was heard by a panel of three judges, who reserved judgment on the matter. Daniel McDonnell pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bragging letters written by man convicted of Melanie McCarthy murder should not have gone before jury, appeal hears. Charges or matters: the murder of the innocent 16-year-old at Brookview Way in Tallaght on February 8th, 2012. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- February 8th, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 24, 2014 Other
- 2018-04-12 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of the innocent 16-year-old at Brookview Way in Tallaght on February 8th, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Appellant
Charges: the murder of the innocent 16-year-old at Brookview Way in Tallaght on February 8th, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- The Central Criminal Court
- High Court
- Brookview Way
Topics
Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Pair jailed for preying on innocent shooting victim in 'vicious extortion racket'
- 'Fun loving' drug dealer jailed over possession of €90k in crime cash
- 'I'm doing my job as a mum': court hears exchange between mother and accused son
- Separated husband spared conviction despite alleged threat to throw former wife out window
- Serial criminal set car ablaze after release from Melanie McCarthy-McNamara manslaughter sentence
- Drug dealer further sentenced for 'crudely' laundering own crime cash
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.