Courts / Cork / Report
Cork murder accused "snapped" and grabbed nearby knife, jury will hear
Summary
A 37‑year‑old man, Darren Murphy, stands trial in the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Olivia Dunlea, 36, who lived in Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork. Murphy, who had been in a relationship with Dunlea for three months, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and to arson on her home. Prosecutor Thomas Creed SC presented evidence that the body was found in an upstairs bedroom after a fire, with six stab wounds to the neck and inhalation of toxic fumes. Murphy admitted he "snapped" and grabbed a knife, lit a quilt beside the bed and a roll of tissue paper on the kitchen table before leaving the house. He was arrested at 10:30 pm on 17 February 2013, cautioned and detained at Togher Garda Station. The case was set to continue before a jury of seven men and five women with Mr Justice Paul Carney presiding.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cork murder accused "snapped" and grabbed nearby knife, jury will hear. Charges or matters: murdering Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013; a second charge that of arson on the deceased woman's home; the killing of her and you will have to decide whether that killing was murder." For about three months previously Ms Dunlea and Mr Murphy were an item, counsel said, or as the old expression went, "they were doing a line together". Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 17 2013 Incident
- Saturday February 16 Other
- 2014-05-20 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013; a second charge that of arson on the deceased woman's home; the killing of her and you will have to decide whether that killing was murder." For about three months previously Ms Dunlea and Mr Murphy were an item, counsel said, or as the old expression went, "they were doing a line together" (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Olivia's house
- and detained in Togher garda station
Topics
Related court reports
- Mentally ill man who put fellow psychiatric patient in chokehold to be immediately released into care of UK parents
- 'Alternative dispute resolution': man arranged 'straightener' during which dad-of-seven was stabbed to death
- Brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in mid-nineties can now be identified for first time
- ESB worker too late to pursue claim seeking €42k in alleged unpaid overtime
- 'No hand, act or part': Osgur Breatnach's wrongful conviction for Sallins train robbery declared a miscarriage of justice
- Migrant engineer who worked 10-hour days for under minimum wage wins €14k
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request