Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman found guilty of killing partner during drunken row

Summary

Norma Phillips, 46, of Phibsboro, Dublin, was found guilty of manslaughter after stabbing her boyfriend, 36‑year‑old Stefan Neanu, during a drunken argument on 12 April 2015. The jury, composed of seven women and four men, deliberated for seven hours and returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty of murder and guilty of manslaughter. Justice Margaret Heneghan explained that if the jury believed Phillips acted in self‑defence but used more force than reasonably necessary, a manslaughter verdict was appropriate. Phillips had initially called emergency services, claiming a man had stabbed Neanu, but later changed her story, stating Neanu had pulled a knife on her and she pushed it away in self‑defence, turning the blade toward him. The single stab wound to the heart was deemed consistent with her account. Phillips remains on bail until the sentencing hearing on 13 February.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman found guilty of killing partner during drunken row. 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
• February 13 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-01-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report