Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury finds Dublin man guilty of killing during €100 drug debt row
Summary
A 24‑year‑old, William Gilsenan, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for killing drug dealer Edward Fitzgerald (29) during a €100 debt dispute. The trial, lasting ten days at the Central Criminal Court, ended with a unanimous verdict after 2 h 35 min of jury deliberation. Gilsenan had pleaded not guilty to murder; defence counsel sought bail, but Justice Paul Butler ruled that bail would only be granted under extraordinary circumstances following a manslaughter conviction. He remanded Gilsenan in custody until a sentencing hearing on 12 January. The case involved an argument in a car park where Fitzgerald demanded money; Gilsenan claimed self‑defence after being struck, but the jury concluded he used excessive force. The verdict was delivered after the judge explained the possible outcomes and the conditions for each. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 12 January.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury finds Dublin man guilty of killing during €100 drug debt row. Charges or matters: the murder of Edward Fitzgerald (29) in a car park outside the killer's home at The Green, Larch Hill, Oscar Traynor Road, Santry, Dublin 17. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- January 12 Adjournment
- October 17, 2014 Other
- 2016-12-14 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Edward Fitzgerald (29) in a car park outside the killer's home at The Green, Larch Hill, Oscar Traynor Road, Santry, Dublin 17 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: He remanded Gilsenan in custody until January 12 when a sentencing hearing will take place.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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