Courts / Dublin / Report

Closing speeches made in Rialto murder trial

Summary

In the Rialto murder trial, two Dublin youths, Thomas Heinrich (22) and Robert Rinker (23), were charged with stabbing a German student, Heinrich, to death and injuring Rinker on St Anthony's Road on 1 December 2012. A 20‑year‑old Wesley Kelly pleaded not guilty to murder and assault causing harm, while a 17‑year‑old, unnamed, also denied both charges. Prosecutor Tara Burns argued that the accused sought a fight and were acting under joint enterprise, noting that Rinker and Heinrich each brought knives and that the 17‑year‑old admitted to striking the fatal wound but denied responsibility for the other three wounds. She rejected self‑defence for all accused. Defence counsel Sean Gillane highlighted panic and confusion, asserting his client had no intent to kill and that his Garda statements were consistent. Aileen Donnelly defended Kelly, claiming he was not part of a joint enterprise and had no intent to cause serious harm.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Closing speeches made in Rialto murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Heinrich and to assault causing harm to Mr Rinker. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 1, 2012 Incident
• 2014-05-21 Publication

Why: A 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, also denies both charges. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report