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Killing of Dermot Byrne was "savagery", prosecution tell jury

Summary

In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, 31‑year‑old Anthony Walsh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and theft of a bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter from Dermot Byrne on 16 July 2017. The prosecution, led by Vincent Heneghan SC, described Byrne's death as "savagery," urging a murder conviction. Defence counsel Remy Farrell SC argued that Walsh was provoked by Byrne, who had earlier attacked him and attempted to take a cigarette. Farrell presented CCTV from the Harp Bar showing a confrontation and highlighted Byrne's aggressive behaviour, including a prior incident at an Applegreen garage. He urged the jury to consider Walsh's lack of aggression and the injuries inflicted on Byrne, suggesting a manslaughter verdict. The jury was set to deliberate tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Killing of Dermot Byrne was "savagery", prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Dermot Byrne at North St, Swords, Co Dublin on July 16, 2017; stealing a bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter from the deceased on the same date and location; a serious crime and, no matter what the jury decides, he will stay in prison for "a very, very long time". Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 16, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-10-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report