Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury begins deliberating in woman's murder trial

Summary

A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating the case of Norma Phillips, a 46‑year‑old Zimbabwean woman, who is accused of murdering her partner, 36‑year‑old Romanian national Stefan Neanu, with a knife on 12 April 2015. Phillips, who lives on Phibsboro Road, Dublin 7, pleaded not guilty. Justice Margaret Heneghan explained that the jury has three possible verdicts: guilty of murder if the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that Phillips intended to kill or seriously injure Neanu and was not acting in self‑defence; guilty of manslaughter if the jury believes she acted in self‑defence but used more force than reasonably necessary; or not guilty if the jury believes she acted in self‑defence and used reasonable force. Over four days of evidence, the jury heard that Neanu died from a single stab wound that penetrated his lungs and heart.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury begins deliberating in woman's murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder of 36-year-old Romanian national Stefan Neanu at her former home in Phibsboro on April 12, 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 12, 2015 Other
• 2017-01-23 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report