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Jury in Dublin murder trial told they can return a majority verdict

Summary

In the trial of Andrew Gibney, a 25‑year‑old accused of murdering Gerard Burnett, the jury was informed that they could return a majority verdict if unanimity could not be reached. Judge Paul Butler explained that the jury should strive for unanimity but could give a majority verdict if necessary. The forewoman reported that at least ten jurors had not agreed on a verdict after four hours and ten minutes of deliberation, and the jury was set to resume at 2 pm. The prosecution argued that Gibney was part of a joint enterprise to murder Burnett, one of five men who went to the victim's house on the night of the murder. The defence contended that if the evidence suggested Gibney intended only to cause some harm short of serious harm, the appropriate verdict would be manslaughter. Andrew Gibney pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury in Dublin murder trial told they can return a majority verdict. Charges or matters: murdering Gerard Burnett (28) at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 on August 21, 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 21, 2012 Other
• August 28 Incident
• 2017-11-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report