Courts / Meath / Report

Murder accused should be found guilty of manslaughter, defence tell trial

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Patrick Marrinan SC argued that Wayne Cluskey (25) and Josh Turner (24) should be found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder for the death of Christopher Nevin on 19 November 2015. The case centred on a dispute over a chihuahua loaned to Nevin, which led to a confrontation at Nevin's home. Marrinan highlighted CCTV footage and testimony from Nevin's friend, Wayne Casserly, who revealed Nevin was armed with a hatchet when he answered the door. He contended that Nevin's threat and the presence of a hatchet provoked the accused, who reacted in self‑defence. Marrinan urged the jury to consider that the accused lost control under provocation, making manslaughter the appropriate verdict. Shane Costelloe SC for Cluskey also argued for a not‑guilty verdict, noting no evidence of a joint enterprise. The judge will address the jury tomorrow. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty. Wayne Cluskey pleaded not guilty. Josh Turner pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused should be found guilty of manslaughter, defence tell trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Christopher Nevin at Tailteann Road, Navan on November 19, 2015; murder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 19, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-02-14 Publication

Why: " It now seemed that the fight started because of Mr Nevin, he said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report