Courts / Dublin / Report

Recovered addict died after taking heroin 'for some inexplicable reason'

Date
2020-03-18

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In October 2017, John Murdiff, aged 33, and an accomplice stole items from Andrew Stammers, a former heroin addict, in Adare Lane, Dublin. Stammers had overdosed that night, but it could not be determined whether he was dead when the theft occurred. Murdiff later returned to the lane, discovered Stammers was not breathing, and sought help. He was charged with theft and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Murdiff had 50 prior convictions, including theft, public order, and assault causing harm. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, consecutive to a three‑year term for assault, after a judge noted his remorse and the tragic circumstances surrounding Stammers' death. The case highlighted the difficulties in determining the exact time of Stammers' death and the impact on his family.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Recovered addict died after taking heroin 'for some inexplicable reason'. Charges or matters: theft of Andrew Stammers at Adare Lane on October 19, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

October 19, 2017 Incident
October 2019 Incident
2020-03-18 Publication

Case subjects

John Murdiff

Defendant

Charges: theft of Andrew Stammers at Adare Lane on October 19, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She sentenced Murdiff to two years in prison consecutive to a three year term he is currently serving for assault causing harm, a sentence that was imposed in October 2019.