Courts / Kildare / Report

Jury to begin deliberating in trial of man accused of murdering his best friend

Summary

A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of a man accused of murdering his best friend in County Kildare in 2013. Darren Wynne, aged 21, of Athy, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, though prosecutors rejected the plea. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a sawn-off shotgun in suspicious circumstances. Two co-accused, Quentin Monaghan and James Seery, both aged 21, had their manslaughter pleas accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions and will not face trial. The prosecution case centres on the fatal shooting on 6 April 2013. The defence relies on provocation, claiming the victim made threats. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan directed the jury that provocation, if reasonably possible, would reduce murder to manslaughter. The jury comprises eight men and four women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury to begin deliberating in trial of man accused of murdering his best friend. Charges or matters: murder; possession of a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 6, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-07-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report