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Deceased told door staff that he could "look after" himself, trial hears

Summary

During a night in Swords on 16 July 2017, 54‑year‑old Dermot Byrne was involved in a scuffle with 31‑year‑old Anthony Walsh, who later pleaded not guilty to Byrne's murder but guilty to manslaughter and theft of a bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter. Door staff at the Harp Bar intervened when Byrne and Walsh argued around 2.11 am. Byrne, who had been drinking, asked the staff, "Why did you do that? I can look after myself," before walking away. Witnesses, including Vincent McCarthy, Krystzof Laszowski, Darren Kelly and Rory Robinson, described the confrontation, the presence of alcohol, and the attempts to calm the situation. The case is being heard at the Central Criminal Court before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Deceased told door staff that he could "look after" himself, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder but guilty to the manslaughter of 54-year-old Dermot Byrne on July 16, 2017 at North St, Swords, Co Dublin; stealing a bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter from Mr Byrne on the same date and location. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 16, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-10-15 Publication

Why: Mr Kelly wanted to call the gardai but his girlfriend asked him not to because she was intimidated and wanted to get away. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report