Courts / Limerick / Report

Accused trespassed into man's house while armed with knife, prosecution say

Date
2018-12-06

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 60‑year‑old Limerick man, Desmond Coyle, was accused of murdering 58‑year‑old Calo Carpaci. The prosecution argued that Coyle entered Carpaci's house armed with the knife that later caused the fatal chest wound, citing CCTV footage that showed him trespassing and carrying the weapon. Coyle allegedly confessed to stabbing Carpaci, but his defence claimed he had gone to confront the Romanian man over money demands, not to kill. The defence highlighted Coyle's lack of intent, describing his actions as a poor decision driven by frustration. Both sides presented evidence of a struggle after the entry, with the prosecution insisting on murder and the defence seeking a verdict of not guilty. The trial remained at the stage of closing arguments, with no verdict yet announced.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused trespassed into man's house while armed with knife, prosecution say. Charges or matters: the 58-year-old's murder at Roche's Row in the city on May 24, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

May 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
2018-12-06 Publication

Why: Desmond Coyle had explained that he had gone to the Romanian man's house with a knife to 'stop him demanding money' off him. CNI source report