Courts / Ireland / Report
Family that came to Ireland to find work "torn apart" by killing
Summary
Norma Phillips, 47, appeared before the Central Criminal Court for sentencing after being convicted of manslaughter for the killing of 36-year-old Stefan Neanu at her Phibsboro Road home on April 12, 2015. Although initially charged with murder, a jury found her not guilty of that charge but guilty of manslaughter. During the hearing, Detective Garda Martin McInerney stated that Mr. Neanu died from a stab wound to the heart following a drunken argument. Phillips alleged she acted in self-defence when he pulled a knife on her, though she initially provided false statements to gardai before admitting her involvement. Mitigation was presented by Sean Gillane SC, who highlighted Phillips's chronic alcohol problem, lack of prior convictions, and her subsequent rehabilitation through Focus Ireland. The court also heard a statement from the victim's aunt, Gabi Corina Tapu, who described the family's devastation. Justice Margaret Heneghan remanded Phillips on continuing bail until February 20 to consider the appropriate sentence. The matter was adjourned.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Family that came to Ireland to find work "torn apart" by killing. Charges or matters: manslaughter last month for the killing of 36-year-old Stefan Neanu at Phillips's home on the Phibsboro Road on April 12, 2015; murder but a jury found her not guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- April 12, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2016 Other
- Monday February 20 Adjournment
- 2017-02-13 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: manslaughter last month for the killing of 36-year-old Stefan Neanu at Phillips's home on the Phibsboro Road on April 12, 2015; murder but a jury found her not guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Justice Heneghan remanded her on continuing bail until next Monday February 20, to give her time to consider the appropriate sentence.; Justice Heneghan remanded her on continuing bail until next Monday February 20, to give her time to consider the appropriate sentence.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Phibsboro Road
- ran off. At Mountjoy Garda Station
Topics
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.