Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused told gardai he was afraid of deceased

Summary

During a Central Criminal Court hearing, William Gilsenan, aged 24, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29‑year‑old Edward Fitzgerald. Gilsenan told Garda Fiona Divilly that he had taken a knife from his home to scare Fitzgerald, who had threatened to smash his house and had been calling him for a debt of €100. Gilsenan claimed he was terrified and had no intention of using the knife. He said he had tried to resolve the debt but Fitzgerald demanded payment immediately and threatened violence. On 17 October 2014, Gilsenan met Fitzgerald outside his home; a scuffle ensued, and Gilsenan struck Fitzgerald in the legs with the knife. Deputy state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis confirmed Fitzgerald died from a knife wound to the heart. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Paul Butler and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he was afraid of deceased. Charges or matters: the murder of 29-year-old Edward Fitzgerald in a car park outside the accused's home on October 17, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• October 17, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 18, 2014 Other
• October 18 Other
• 2016-12-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report