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"I told him to get away from me or I would murder him": trial hears of accused's comments during arrest

Date
2018-10-17
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Anthony Walsh, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dermot Byrne, 54, but guilty to manslaughter and theft of Byrne's bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter on 16 July 2017. Garda Jason McDonnell arrested Walsh after listening to phone calls with his mother, Marie Walsh, during which Walsh claimed he was attacked and warned Byrne to "get away from me or I would murder you." In the garden of the Walsh home, Walsh told his mother he didn't mean to kill Byrne, describing a fight where Byrne "came at me swinging punches and kicks" and that Walsh "kicked Byrne in the head" causing Byrne to fall unconscious. Walsh later said he had no intention to kill Byrne and was sorry. He was released after arrest and charged two days later. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "I told him to get away from me or I would murder him": trial hears of accused's comments during arrest. Charges or matters: the murder of 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:

Case subjects

Anthony Walsh

Defendant

Charges: the murder of 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 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Facility
  • St James's Hospital
Incident

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

Related court reports

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