Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury deliberating in trial of Traveller accused of murdering trespasser

Date
2018-03-12
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A jury has begun deliberating on the trial of Martin Keenan, a Traveller aged 20, who is charged with murdering 33‑year‑old Wesley Mooney in a mobile home in Dublin on 5 June 2016. Keenan claims Mooney attacked him after Keenan asked him to leave, and that he used a garden shears to stab Mooney. The Central Criminal Court jury was given the shears to examine. Judge Paul Butler explained that under the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, a person may use reasonable force if they believe a trespasser is threatening them, and that the force must be proportionate. He clarified that the accused is not required to retreat and that if the force is not disproportionate, the accused is not guilty of murder; if it is disproportionate, the accused is not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in trial of Traveller accused of murdering trespasser. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • The Central Criminal Court
Residence
  • Cardiffsbridge Avenue
Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • St Joseph's Park
  • Dunsink Lane

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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