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Murder accused a "big soft teddy bear", friend tells trial
Summary
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, Desmond 'Des' Duffy, aged 70, is accused of murdering his partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, aged 59, at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, on 23 May 2016. A friend, Lois Farrell, testified that Duffy was a "big soft teddy bear" and a gentleman, describing him as intelligent but lacking confidence, often submissive and quiet when Sullivan, who she said was the boss in the relationship, was drunk. Farrell recalled that Sullivan would put Duffy down, interrupt him, and become rude and disrespectful. She noted that Duffy never raised his voice or fought back. Duffy pleaded not guilty, claiming self‑defence. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy explained that Sullivan died from neck compression causing oxygen deprivation, with petechiae around the eyes suggesting pressure applied for a few seconds. The prosecution's evidence was concluded, and the jury was instructed to return on Wednesday.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused a "big soft teddy bear", friend tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Sullivan at the home they shared in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6 on May 23, 2016. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 23, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-11-12 Publication
Why: She explained that the deceased's history of heart disease increased his risk of arrhythmia of the heart. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Sullivan at the home they shared in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6 on May 23, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Somerville Park
- Dublin
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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