Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused entitled to defend himself from love rival's "ferocious" attack, defence say

Date
2018-12-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Michael O'Higgins SC defended Keith Connorton, 40, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of 32‑year‑old Graham McKeever on 18 February 2017. O'Higgins argued that Connorton was attacked by McKeever's partner, Claire McGrath, who had entered the home at 4 a.m. and threatened him with a knife. He claimed Connorton was forced to defend himself after McKeever "barrelled in" and inflicted a fractured eye socket on Connorton. O'Higgins questioned the reliability of McGrath's statements, noting inconsistencies and her drug‑related vulnerability. He urged the jury to consider Connorton's right to self‑defence under the suddenness and ferocity of the attack, and to assess whether the force used was proportionate. The prosecution maintained that McKeever had no knife and that Connorton's account was a "pack of lies," seeking a guilty verdict for murder. The case was set for jury deliberation the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused entitled to defend himself from love rival's "ferocious" attack, defence say. 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 17 Other
February 2017 Other
2018-12-20 Publication

Why: " However, he pointed to what he said were lies she told to the jury and explained that the prosecution had been allowed to cross examine her on the basis that they believed she was not telling the truth, having changed her account from her original statements. Prosecution account reported by CNI