Courts / Limerick / Report

'Nothing to justify' force against stabbing victim, State tells murder trial jury

Summary

The appeal in the case of Mark Crawford (43), who is alleged to have murdered Patrick 'Pa' O'Connor (24) at Fitzgerald's Bar, Sexton Street, in Limerick city between July 7 and July 8, 2018, is ongoing. Crawford has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. The State has argued that there was nothing to justify the use of force against the deceased, let alone the level of force used, which resulted in six stab wounds, including two fatal ones to the heart and jugular vein. The prosecution has highlighted that Crawford admitted stabbing the deceased to gardai but claimed self-defence. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the deceased sustained six stab wounds. The State has also pointed to evidence suggesting Crawford disposed of the flick-knife used in the attack and moved to multiple locations before surrendering to gardai. Defence counsel Patrick McGrath SC has argued that Crawford was genuinely distressed and remorseful, and that the appropriate verdict, if there is doubt about his intention or if he mistakenly believed he was under threat, would be manslaughter. The matter is adjourned for the jury to be charged by Ms Justice Tara Burns.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Nothing to justify' force against stabbing victim, State tells murder trial jury. Charges or matters: murdering Patrick 'Pa' O'Connor (24) at Fitzgerald's Bar, Sexton Street, in Limerick city between July 7 and July 8, 2018. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• July 7 Other
• July 8, 2018 Other
• 2020-09-08 Publication

Why: "Just because he said that does not mean you have to believe it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report