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Murder accused's friend says he lied to gardai as 'head was melted'

Summary

During a Central Criminal Court hearing, a minor friend of a 17‑year‑old accused of murdering an 18‑year‑old in Finsbury Park admitted he had lied to Gardaí in a statement made two days after the fatal stabbing. The witness, who cannot be identified, said he had brought the knife used in the attack to the accused's home earlier that day and had shown it around. He claimed the accused told him to hold the knife until they reached Dundrum and to give it to him upon arrival. The witness later stated part of his Garda statement was false, explaining he feared trouble and was terrified, saying his "head was melted." The accused has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused's friend says he lied to gardai as 'head was melted'. Charges or matters: manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of 18-year-old Azzam Raguragui at Finsbury Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14 on May 10, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 10, 2019 Other
• 2020-09-08 Publication

Why: The witness, who cannot be identified because he is a minor, has told the trial that he brought the knife used in the fatal attack. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report