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Knife "partially impaled" in victim's neck, murder trial hears

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of Gary Watson (35), who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of former soldier Warren O'Connor (24) in north Dublin, heard evidence from former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jaber. Dr Jaber stated that a stainless steel kitchen knife was found partially impaled in Mr O'Connor's neck during the post-mortem examination conducted on January 17, 2010. The blade, measuring 22.5cms, had penetrated 13cms into the body, perforating the left ventricle artery and left internal jugular vein. Dr Jaber concluded that the cause of death was a single stab wound to the lower anterior of the left neck, noting the blade was bent toward the anterior midline. He indicated the perpetrator likely held a height advantage and that the victim was probably taken by surprise. No defence-type wounds were found on Mr O'Connor's hands. Prosecution counsel James Dwyer SC confirmed Dr Jaber was the final witness, closing the State's case. Earlier, Garda Damien Carroll testified to recovering a black-handled knife near Grattan Wood apartments and three knives from a Honda Civic, though no fingerprints belonging to Mr Watson were found on them. Mr Watson also denies assaulting Philip Woodcock and producing a knife to intimidate another person. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Knife "partially impaled" in victim's neck, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering former soldier Warren O'Connor (24) nine years ago in north Dublin; murdering Mr O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on January 16, 2010. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 16, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 17, 2010 Other
• 2019-02-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report