Courts / Louth / Report

Jury to decide if murder accused was acting in self defence

Date
2018-10-08

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dundalk

County
Louth

Summary

In the trial of Joseph Hillen, a 24‑year‑old from Forkhill, the jury is asked to decide whether he acted in self‑defence or is guilty of murder after stabbing taxi driver Martin Mulligan, aged 53, to death in Dundalk on 28 September 2015. Hillen denies murder, claiming he stabbed Mulligan to protect himself during a dispute over illegal dumping. Prosecutor Patrick Treacy SC argues Hillen lied to Gardaí and that his self‑defence claim is not credible, citing the depth and nature of the wounds and Hillen's failure to call for help. Defence barrister Brendan Grehan SC maintains Hillen's account is supported by evidence, noting the pathologist's remarks on the injuries and the possibility of a sewer rod causing head lacerations. The jury must weigh whether Hillen intended to kill or merely used excessive force, or if he acted in genuine self‑defence. The case is before Justice Eileen Creedon. The unnamed 24-year-old pleaded not guilty. Joseph Hillen pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury to decide if murder accused was acting in self defence. Charges or matters: the murder of Martin Mulligan (53) at Carnmore, Balriggan, Dundalk, Co Louth on September 28, 2015; murder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

September 28, 2015 Other
2018-10-08 Publication

Why: Mr Grehan began his closing speech, saying that if the prosecution insists that Mr Hillen's account is untrue then he would expect them to offer an explanation of what happened, but they did not because there is no other account. Prosecution account reported by CNI