Courts / Dublin / Report

Bragging letters written by man convicted of Melanie McCarthy murder should not have gone before jury, appeal hears

Summary

In the Court of Appeal, Daniel McDonnell's lawyers argued that letters he wrote while in custody, bragging about the murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy, were unreliable and should not have been admitted to the jury. McDonnell, 23, had been convicted of the murder on the basis of these letters and a single piece of graffiti. His barrister, Bernard Condon SC, contended that the letters were produced by a 17‑year‑old in a 23‑hour lock‑up, with a history of drug use and limited education, making them suspect. He highlighted the lack of other evidence linking McDonnell to the crime and the absence of safeguards during the letters' creation. The prosecution, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, maintained that the letters were voluntary, lucid, and highly probative. The appeal was heard by a panel of three judges, who reserved judgment on the matter. Daniel McDonnell pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bragging letters written by man convicted of Melanie McCarthy murder should not have gone before jury, appeal hears. Charges or matters: the murder of the innocent 16-year-old at Brookview Way in Tallaght on February 8th, 2012. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• February 8th, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 24, 2014 Other
• 2018-04-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report