Courts / Dublin / Report

Man goes on trial accused of murder of teenager in State care

Date
2017-02-22

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

Richard Dekker, 30, has gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court, pleading not guilty to the alleged murder of 17-year-old Daniel McAnaspie. The prosecution alleges that on February 26, 2010, Dekker participated in a ruse to lure McAnaspie to an isolated area in Blanchardstown, knowing another man intended to assault him with half garden shears. Although Dekker claims he did not wield the weapon, the state contends he is guilty of murder. McAnaspie, who was in the care of the HSE, went missing after being dropped off in Finglas by former social care worker Keith Homan. His decomposed remains were discovered three months later in a ditch in Rathfeigh, Co Meath, identified via DNA matching. During police interviews, Dekker admitted knowing of McAnaspie's death and led gardai to the scene by the Tolka River, alleging the other man killed the teenager. The trial, presided over by Justice Patrick McCarthy, continues tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man goes on trial accused of murder of teenager in State care. Charges or matters: the murder of 17-year-old Daniel McAnaspie at Tolka Valley Park, Blanchardstown on February 26, 2010. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 26, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
February 25 Other
May 13 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-02-22 Publication

Why: Opening the trial, Brendan Grehan SC told the jury of seven women and five men that the prosecution case is that Mr Dekker is guilty of murder because he took part in a ruse to lure the boy to an isolated area knowing that the other man intended to assault Daniel. Prosecution account reported by CNI