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54-year-old "savagely beaten to a pulp" and stripped of clothes, murder trial hears

Summary

In a murder trial, Anthony Walsh, 31, admitted killing Dermot Byrne, 54, on 16 July 2017 in Swords, Co Dublin. Walsh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to theft of Byrne's bank card, keys and lighter. Byrne had spent the evening at St Colmcille's GAA club, Estuary Bar, a bookmaker, and Harp Bar, where he was refused entry. At 2.10 am, outside the Harp Bar, Byrne attempted to pull a cigarette from Walsh's mouth; a brief altercation followed. Byrne was later found at 2.50 am, stripped of clothes and surrounded by blood. A pathologist recorded over 100 injuries, including facial fractures, rib fractures and bruising, and declared death from traumatic brain injury, intoxication and blood inhalation. Walsh's defence acknowledged unlawful killing and removal of Byrne's property. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 54-year-old "savagely beaten to a pulp" and stripped of clothes, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Dermot Byrne on July 16, 2017 at North St, Swords, Co Dublin; stealing a bank card, keys and a lighter from Mr Byrne on the same date and at the same location. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 16, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-10-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report