Courts / Dublin / Report

Man smashed his way into ex-girlfriend's house, destroyed her property and threatened to kill her

Date
2017-10-26

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

David Clail, aged 28, admitted to breaking into his ex‑girlfriend Sharon Murphy's home on 20 September 2016. He entered the house, smashed doors and windows, damaged furniture, and threatened to kill Murphy and her family. Clail claimed he had no reason for his actions other than waking up "in a black mood" and "blanked out". He pleaded guilty to burglary armed with a flick knife, criminal damage and threatening to kill. The court heard Murphy was alone, had a toothache, and called 999 during the incident. Clail was arrested, admitted the break‑in and the violence, and was scheduled for sentencing on 14 December 2023, pending a psychiatric diagnosis. He has a prior conviction from 2008. The judge warned that any contact with Murphy would result in a court appearance. The case remains at the sentencing stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man smashed his way into ex-girlfriend's house, destroyed her property and threatened to kill her. Charges or matters: burglary armed with a flick knife, criminal damage, and threatening to kill Sharon Murphy at her home at The Green, Melrose Park, Kinsealy, Co Dublin. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

September 20, 2016 Incident
December 14 Adjournment
2017-10-26 Publication

Why: A man who broke into his ex-girlfriend's house and threatened to kill her said he had no reason for his behaviour, other than that he had woken up "in a black mood". CNI source report

Case subjects

David Clail

Defendant

Charges: burglary armed with a flick knife, criminal damage, and threatening to kill Sharon Murphy at her home at The Green, Melrose Park, Kinsealy, Co Dublin (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the sentencing to December 14 next to allow Clail attend psychiatric appointments with the help of his parents and hopefully secure a diagnosis.