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Cork murder accused watched from hill "like Nero" as house burned, jury told
Summary
Darren Murphy, 37, pleaded not guilty to murder of his girlfriend Olivia Dunlea, 36, and guilty to arson of her house on 17 February 2013. The jury heard that the couple had been together for about three months and had a heated argument the night before the death. Prosecutor Thomas Creed argued that Murphy, described as possessive, had checked Dunlea's texts, drove past her home at 3 am, and then set the house on fire while she was inside. He claimed Murphy watched the blaze from Church Hill "like Nero" and left her in a situation where she could have been saved. Defence counsel Michael Delaney presented a narrative of provocation, citing a prior relationship with another man, Fás, and alleged that Murphy's loss of self‑control was sudden. The jury deliberated for 2 hours 17 minutes before returning the next day. The case remains at the trial stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cork murder accused watched from hill "like Nero" as house burned, jury told. Charges or matters: murdering Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013; a second charge of arson on the deceased woman's home on the same date. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 17 2013 Other
- February 17 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-05-28 Publication
Why: She sat into the car and said you're not Fás because that's who she was told by the base to expect, counsel said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Olivia Dunlea (36) at Pembroke Crescent, Passage West, Co Cork on February 17 2013; a second charge of arson on the deceased woman's home on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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