Courts / Dublin / Report

"He's dead. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean to kill him": mother tells of "deep shock" after meeting son

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Marie and Hugh Walsh testified that they met their son Anthony the morning after he beat 54‑year‑old Dermot Byrne to death outside a school in Swords on 16 July 2017. Anthony, 31, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and to theft of Byrne's bank card, keys and lighter. He told his mother, in tears, that he had not meant to kill Byrne. The court heard that Anthony had been in a fight, had called his father's phone, and had been arrested after a taxi ride to his mother's house. Witnesses described his physical state and the circumstances of the incident, and the trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "He's dead. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean to kill him": mother tells of "deep shock" after meeting son. Charges or matters: Mr Byrne's murder but guilty to manslaughter; 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
• 2018-10-16 Publication

Why: Mrs Walsh explained that gardai were at the house but hid their cars so Anthony wouldn't know they were there. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report