Courts / Dublin / Report

Internet cafe manager "savagely" kicked man to death after row over 70-cent phone call, court hears

Summary

At the Central Criminal Court, Zhen Dong Zhao, 40, of Jervis Street, Dublin, pleaded not guilty to the murder but guilty to the manslaughter of 39-year-old Noel Fegan. The plea was accepted by the State. The incident occurred on May 20, 2011, outside the e-Times internet café in Dublin city centre, following a dispute over a 70-cent phone call. Prosecution counsel Pauline Walley SC alleged that Zhao "savagely" kicked Fegan, who was on the ground, multiple times to the head and body before delivering a final blow. Witnesses described Zhao's demeanor as "casual" and noted he gave a "two-finger salute" as Fegan lay dying. A post-mortem attributed Fegan's death to a subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by blunt-force trauma. Zhao had previously been convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2012, but that conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal earlier this year, resulting in a retrial. During the proceedings, victim impact statements were read, including from Fegan's daughter, son, and sister, who expressed their grief. The court heard that Zhao initially claimed self-defense but later admitted to being angry and wanting to "teach them not to do this again." Sentencing was adjourned until December 9, and Zhao was remanded on continuing bail until that date.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Internet cafe manager "savagely" kicked man to death after row over 70-cent phone call, court hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of 39-year old Noel Fegan outside the e-Times internet café and call shop in Dublin city centre on May 20, 2011. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• May 20, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 9 Adjournment
• 2016-12-05 Publication

Why: Ms Walley told the court that Zhao later admitted to gardai that he had been "angry" after Mr Fegan had argued over payment for the call and that he ran after him because he "wanted to teach them not to do this again", adding "I don't like these type of people". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report