Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury begins deliberating in trial of pensioner accused of murdering partner
Summary
The jury in the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of Desmond Duffy, a 70-year-old man who pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59). The alleged killing occurred at their shared home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, on May 23, 2016. Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the six men and six women on the three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The court heard that Mr Duffy claimed he acted in self-defence after being attacked, a defence he maintained to gardai and during trial evidence. Witnesses reported an ongoing row between the couple from approximately 9.15pm until 10pm that night. The judge explained that if the jury finds Mr Duffy used excessive force despite believing he was acting in self-defence, he may be guilty of manslaughter. Alternatively, if the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that he intended to kill or cause serious injury without reasonable provocation or self-defence, he is guilty of murder. Mr Justice McDermott reminded the jury of the presumption of innocence and noted that Mr Duffy has no previous convictions. After spending just over two hours in deliberation, the jury was adjourned and will return to court tomorrow to continue their consideration.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury begins deliberating in trial of pensioner accused of murdering partner. Charges or matters: the murder of Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59) 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
- 2018-11-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan (59) 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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