Courts / Dublin / Report

Dublin youths accused of murdering German student went "looking for a fight"

Date
2014-05-13

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Two Dublin youths are currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court, facing charges related to the stabbing of two German students on St Anthony's Road in Rialto on December 1, 2012. Wesley Kelly, 20, and a 17-year-old co-accused, whose identity is protected due to age, have both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas Heinrich and the assault causing harm to Robert Rinker. Mr. Heinrich, 22, died from his injuries, while Mr. Rinker survived. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns SC opened the trial by alleging that the accused went to the apartment "looking for a fight" and are being prosecuted on the basis of joint enterprise. She stated that a verbal altercation escalated into a physical confrontation where knives were used. The prosecution maintains that defences of self-defence or excessive self-defence are not supported by the facts. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Barry White and a jury of three women and nine men. It is expected to last two weeks. No findings, sentences, or finalisations have been recorded at this procedural stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin youths accused of murdering German student went "looking for a fight". Charges or matters: murdering Mr Heinrich; assault causing harm to Mr Rinker. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 1st, 2012 Incident
2014-05-13 Publication

Why: Wesley Kelly (20) of St Anthony's Road has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Heinrich and to assault causing harm to Mr Rinker The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, also denies both charges. CNI source report