Courts / Dublin / Report

Teen stabbed to death during 'melee' in Dublin park, murder trial hears

Date
2020-09-01

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin park, a 17‑year‑old stabbed an 18‑year‑old, Azzam Raguragui, to death during a melee that followed a dispute over a bicycle. The accused, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, was said by counsel to have entered the confrontation armed with a knife. The incident began near Rockfield, Balally, when the deceased and other teens were involved in a confrontation with the accused's group. The accused allegedly pursued the deceased up a hill, where the victim fell and was stabbed repeatedly. Five stab wounds were found, one fatal. The accused voluntarily admitted to the stabbing at Garda Station, claiming self‑defence, but forensic evidence linked the knife to the victim. The trial, heard by a jury, continues under the State's case that the accused did not act in self‑defence. The proceedings are ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen stabbed to death during 'melee' in Dublin park, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Raguragai at Finsbury Park, Dundrum on May 10, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

May 10, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
May 10 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-09-01 Publication

Why: James Dwyer SC opened the murder trial of the 17-year-old, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, by telling the jury of six men and six women it is the State's case that the accused was not acting in self defence when he stabbed Azzam Raguragui (18) five times. Defence account reported by CNI