Courts / Clare / Report

Murder accused was in "life or death situation", defence say

Date
2019-02-11
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Kilrush
County
Clare

Summary

In a murder case heard at the Central Criminal Court, Robbie Walsh, aged 23, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Karl 'Gobble' Haugh, aged 25, who died after being stabbed on August 6, 2017, at the Marian Estate in Kilkee. The prosecution, led by Patrick Gageby SC, argued that the Walsh men, including Robbie's cousins Mitchell and Clinton, had intended to vandalise Haugh's car and that the stabbing was not justified. They cited evidence of a prior altercation, video of Robbie claiming he was dragged and then stabbed Haugh in self‑defence, and witness statements suggesting a hostile environment. The defence, represented by Brendan Grehan SC, contended that Robbie was not an aggressor but was pulled into the confrontation, acting in a life‑or‑death situation. The jury was instructed on the case by Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, with the trial to resume the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused was in "life or death situation", defence say. Charges or matters: murdering Karl 'Gobble' Haugh (25) in the Marian Estate in Kilkee, Co Clare on August 6, 2017. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: " Mr Grehan also said it wasn't Robbie Walsh who shouted "come out, you pussy" outside Mr Lucey's house because Robbie Walsh knew where Mr Haugh lived "Was he leading his cousins to Karl Haugh's door? CNI source report

Case subjects

Robbie Walsh

Defendant

Charges: murdering Karl 'Gobble' Haugh (25) in the Marian Estate in Kilkee, Co Clare on August 6, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Residence
Secondary Mention
Garda Station
Facility
  • Mr Lucey's house

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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