Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused told gardai partner's death "would haunt her for the rest of her life"

Summary

In a 2017 trial, 46‑year‑old Zimbabwean Norma Phillips pleaded not guilty to the murder of 36‑year‑old Stefan Neanu, who died on 12 April 2015 from a knife wound during an altercation at Phillips' former home on Phibsboro Road. During a police interview on the day of the incident, Phillips told detectives that Neanu had waved a knife at her and that she had pushed the knife away, after which he was stabbed. She described the knife as a 19‑cm kitchen carving knife and claimed she had not held it. Phillips said Neanu's death would haunt her for the rest of her life and expressed shock at his passing. The state pathologist presented a video of Phillips demonstrating the knife's use and described the fatal wound as requiring moderate force. The prosecution's evidence concluded, and the jury was instructed to return the next day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai partner's death "would haunt her for the rest of her life". 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
• 2017-01-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report