Courts / Cork / Report
Jury asks to see footage of accused demonstrating how he stabbed girlfriend
Summary
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has requested to view footage of Darren Murphy, 40, demonstrating to Gardaí how he stabbed his girlfriend, Olivia Dunlea, who lay face down on her bed. Murphy, who lives in Passage West, Co. Cork, pleaded not guilty to murder but had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, admitting he stabbed Ms. Dunlea in the neck and set fire to her home. His plea was not accepted, and the jury is now considering a verdict. During Garda interviews, Murphy showed how the assault occurred; the interviews were recorded. After more than two hours of deliberation, the jury asked to see the footage again and requested Justice Patrick McCarthy repeat the definition of provocation. McCarthy explained that provocation must be a sudden, unforeseen onset of passion that deprives the accused of self‑control.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury asks to see footage of accused demonstrating how he stabbed girlfriend. Charges or matters: murdering Olivia Dunlea at her home in Pembroke Crescent on February 17, 2013; her manslaughter and admitted that he stabbed her in the neck and set fire to her home. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 17, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-06-01 Publication
Why: Justice McCarthy explained that if the jury is satisfied that Mr Murphy intended to kill or cause serious injury to Ms Dunlea, they must then consider whether he was provoked by the conduct or words of the deceased. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Olivia Dunlea at her home in Pembroke Crescent on February 17, 2013; her manslaughter and admitted that he stabbed her in the neck and set fire to her home (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Cork
- Pembroke Crescent
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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