Courts / Limerick / Report
Jury deliberating in Limerick murder trial
Summary
In a Limerick murder trial, a jury of 11 men and one woman spent over two hours deliberating the case of Mark Crawford, 43, accused of stabbing his friend Patrick 'Pa' O'Connor, 24, to death in Fitzgerald's Bar. The jury was instructed by Ms Justice Tara Burns to consider Crawford's claim of self‑defence, the alleged threat he perceived, and whether the force used was reasonable and proportionate. The judge explained the possible verdicts: guilty of murder; not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter; or not guilty. Crawford had admitted to stabbing O'Connor but denied intent to kill, stating he acted in self‑defence after a dispute over €100 for cocaine. The prosecution argued there was no threat and that the force was excessive, while the defence highlighted Crawford's distress and remorse. The jury was to return a unanimous verdict before returning to the courtroom.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury deliberating in Limerick murder trial. 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: trial
When:
- July 7 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 8, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-09-09 Publication
Why: Thirdly, Ms Justice Burns explained that if the prosecution had disproved the defence of self-defence and the jury was not satisfied that the accused intended to kill the deceased, then a verdict of not guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter should be returned. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Patrick 'Pa' O'Connor (24) at Fitzgerald's Bar, Sexton Street, in Limerick city between July 7 and July 8, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Quarry Road
- Limerick
- Limerick city
- Sexton Street
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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