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Murder accused first told gardai that man had run in to her home and stabbed her boyfriend, trial hears

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Norma Phillips, 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 36‑year‑old Stefan Neanu on 12 April 2015. She first told Gardaí that a man had run into her Phibsboro flat, stabbed Neanu, and fled, later claiming self‑defence. Garda Niall Cadden described her as hyper and anxious; she could not identify the assailant, only that he was Irish. Garda Stephen Rooney noted she repeatedly asked if Neanu was OK, and Garda Cadden agreed her statements about a man running in were untrue. Dublin Fire Brigade officer Ciaran Wilson found Neanu with a bleeding chin wound and a small chest wound, but no extensive blood. State Pathologist Marie Cassidy testified Neanu died from a stab wound that pierced his heart. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell identified a carving knife, 200 mm blade, as the alleged murder weapon. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused first told gardai that man had run in to her home and stabbed her boyfriend, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of 36-year-old Stefan Neanu on April 12, 2015 at her former home on the Phibsboro Road. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 11 Incident
• 2017-01-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report