Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury begin deliberations in chip shop murder trial
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 23 November 2016, Justice Carmel Stewart instructed a jury of nine men and three women that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Donal Colgan, 65, committed murder. Colgan had pleaded not guilty to the killing of David Sheridan, 45, outside Luigi's chip shop on North Strand Road on 17/18 August 2014. The judge noted that Colgan admitted stabbing Sheridan and that the defence accepted the killing was unlawful. Colgan claimed he was attacked by Sheridan and that he "lost it" and had no intention to use the knife until provoked. Justice Stewart explained that the defence of provocation applies when a sudden, unforeseen onset of passion deprives the accused of self‑control, and that self‑defence may be considered if the force used was more than necessary.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury begin deliberations in chip shop murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder of David Sheridan (45), outside Luigi's chip shop on the Capital's North Strand Road on August 17/18 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- August 17 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-11-23 Publication
Why: She explained that the defence of provocation comes into play when there is a "sudden unforeseen onset of passion that, for a moment, deprives the accused of all self control. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of David Sheridan (45), outside Luigi's chip shop on the Capital's North Strand Road on August 17/18 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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