Courts / Dublin / Report

Teen who stabbed "best friend" during drug deal is found guilty of murder

Date
2017-12-18

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Crumlin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 19‑year‑old, Graham McEvoy, was found guilty of murder by a Central Criminal Court jury after admitting he stabbed his 23‑year‑old best friend, Paul "Paulie" Curran, to death on 16 July 2016 at Seagull House, Crumlin Road, Dublin. McEvoy had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but the plea was rejected and he faced a week‑long trial. The jury reached an 11‑to‑one verdict after more than eight hours of deliberation. McEvoy will receive a mandatory life sentence. The trial heard that Curran was stabbed at least six times, with a fatal wound entering under the left armpit and penetrating the upper lobe of the left lung, causing respiratory collapse and death. McEvoy claimed he acted in self‑defence after Curran tried to slash him during a drug‑deal dispute, but the prosecution argued the force used was excessive.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen who stabbed "best friend" during drug deal is found guilty of murder. Charges or matters: manslaughter but his plea was rejected and he underwent a week-long trial at the Central Criminal Court. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

July 16, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-12-18 Publication

Why: In his charge to the jury, Mr Justice McCarthy explained that McEvoy's plea to the lesser charge meant that he accepted responsibility for the killing but that at the time he did not intend to kill or cause serious injury. CNI source report

Case subjects

Graham McEvoy

Defendant

Charges: manslaughter but his plea was rejected and he underwent a week-long trial at the Central Criminal Court (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Having been found guilty of murder McEvoy will receive a mandatory life sentence.; Prosecuting counsel, Pieter LeVert BL, asked for time for a statement to be prepared by the victim's family so Justice McCarthy adjourned sentencing until tomorrow.