Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury must consider whether murder accused acted in self defence

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, William Gilsenan, 24, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 29‑year‑old Edward Fitzgerald, who was stabbed in a car park outside Gilsenan's home on 17 October 2014. Prosecutor Orla Crowe SC argued that Gilsenan was the aggressor, having entered the scene with a knife and choosing to confront Fitzgerald after the latter shouted at him. Crowe said Gilsenan could have retreated but did not, and that he stabbed Fitzgerald twice, killing him. Defence counsel Caroline Biggs SC urged the jury to consider Gilsenan's state of mind, noting that Fitzgerald, a drug dealer, had threatened Gilsenan's home and family and that Gilsenan had expressed fear to the Gardaí.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury must consider whether murder accused acted in self defence. 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
• 2016-12-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report