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"It was just a couple of straighteners," man who admits beating 54-year-old to death told gardai

Summary

Anthony Walsh, 31, was arrested at his parents' home in Glencullen after the death of 54‑year‑old Dermot Byrne. Walsh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and also admitted stealing a bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter from Byrne on 16 July 2017 at North St, Swords. During the arrest, Walsh told Garda Jason McDonnell that he had not intended to kill Byrne, saying "I didn't mean to kill him. He kept coming at me. It was just a couple of straighteners." The trial is proceeding before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "It was just a couple of straighteners," man who admits beating 54-year-old to death told gardai. Charges or matters: the murder of 54-year-old Dermot Byrne but guilty to manslaughter at North St, Swords, Co Dublin on July 16, 2017; 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 Incident
• 2018-10-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report