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Murderer appeals conviction for punching and kicking man (54) to death

Summary

Anthony Walsh, 32, of no fixed abode, appeared in the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction for the murder of Dermot Byrne, 54, at North St, Swords, Co Dublin, on July 16, 2017. Walsh had admitted killing Mr Byrne but denied the charge of murder, claiming self-defence and provocation. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty, and Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed the mandatory life sentence on October 22, 2018. In the appeal, Walsh's counsel, Brendan Grehan SC, argued that the trial judge erred by admitting a voice recording sent by Walsh to a friend shortly after the incident. The recording contained statements such as "I'm going to fucking jail" and references to a "poor old fella being kicked to death," followed by laughter. Grehan SC contended this evidence was highly prejudicial and not probative, while the Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Vincent Heneghan SC, maintained it was admissible as an admission of how the victim died. The appeal panel, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly, reserved its judgement. Consequently, the matter was adjourned, and Walsh must wait to hear the outcome of the appeal against his conviction.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murderer appeals conviction for punching and kicking man (54) to death. Charges or matters: murder by a Central Criminal Court jury and was given the mandatory life sentence by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon on October 22, 2018. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• July 16, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 22, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-11-19 Publication

Why: He said the defence could not object to the previous messages being admitted into evidence because they amounted to admissions. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report