Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused told gardai that "happy family" dream was ruined

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, 40‑year‑old Keith Connorton pleaded not guilty to the murder of 32‑year‑old Graham McKeever, who was stabbed to death at Connorton's home on 18 February 2017. Connorton told Gardaí that his dream of a happy family with his son and his partner had been ruined. He claimed he had met his partner, Claire McGrath, at a Luas stop, comforted her after a breakup, and described her as "beautiful" and "nice sweet young one". Connorton said he loved her "to bits" and that he wanted to be free of heroin and have a happy family. He had been on a methadone programme, reducing his daily dose from 115mls to 55mls. The trial, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt, continues with a jury of nine men and three women. The case involves a fight between Connorton and McKeever, during which McKeever received a fatal stab wound to the heart.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai that "happy family" dream was ruined. Charges or matters: murdering 32-year-old Graham McKeever at the accused's home at Deerpark Avenue, Tallaght on February 18, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 18, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 20, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-12-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Pair jailed for preying on innocent shooting victim in 'vicious extortion racket'
• 'Fun loving' drug dealer jailed over possession of €90k in crime cash
• 'I'm doing my job as a mum': court hears exchange between mother and accused son
• Separated husband spared conviction despite alleged threat to throw former wife out window
• Serial criminal set car ablaze after release from Melanie McCarthy-McNamara manslaughter sentence
• Drug dealer further sentenced for 'crudely' laundering own crime cash

Read the original CNI report