Courts / Tipperary / Report

Jury begin deliberations in Tipperary murder trial

Date
2014-06-04

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tipperary

Summary

The Central Criminal Court jury began deliberations on the murder of Shane Rossiter, a 29‑year‑old Tipperary resident, by Maurice Power, 31, of Dranganbeg. Power pleaded not guilty. Justice Deirdre Murphy explained that the case hinges on Power's 2012 confession to gardai, noting that jurors must assess its reliability and any independent confirmation. She highlighted circumstantial evidence linking Power to the black Audi used in the crime, including CCTV showing him refuelling the vehicle. The defence argued the confession was unreliable due to repeated off‑camera interactions and inconsistencies in Power's account, such as differing distances to the shots fired. Pathologist Marie Cassidy had identified two shotgun wounds at varying ranges. The jury, after over two and a half hours, requested to view the confession interview and CCTV footage before concluding. The trial remains at the deliberation stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury begin deliberations in Tipperary murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Rossiter (29) in Tipperary more than one year ago. Procedural stage: trial

When:

2014-06-04 Publication

Why: You can assess the strength of the defence case saying (confession) is not reliable because there was a discrepancy between the time of the first and second shot (fired). Defence account reported by CNI