Courts / Dublin / Report

"If there ever was a clear case of murder, this is it," prosecution tell jury

Date
2017-06-27
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin murder trial, the jury requested to see the shotgun used by Seán Ducque, who shot Kieran Farrelly, 33, in the head and chest on 26 October 2014 at Killarney Court. Ducque, a homeless drug addict, pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Dominic McGinn SC argued that firing a shotgun at close range indicates intent to kill and that the alleged provocation—Farrelly's threat to "beat the head off" Ducque—was insufficient to cause a complete loss of control. He described Ducque's actions as deliberate: luring Farrelly to the court, retrieving the gun, shooting twice, and reloading within a metre of the victim's head. McGinn concluded that this case represented a clear instance of murder. Defence counsel Hugh O'Keeffe SC acknowledged the killing but highlighted the unusual nature of provocation and the client's intoxication.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "If there ever was a clear case of murder, this is it," prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: murdering Kieran Farrelly on 26th October 2014 at Killarney Court, Killarney Street in the city. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: He said that provocation was a very unusual defence, that it would make the jury think because it was completely subjective. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Seán Ducque

Accused

Charges: murdering Kieran Farrelly on 26th October 2014 at Killarney Court, Killarney Street in the city (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Address Area
  • Killarney Street

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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