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State failed to prove intent in homeless man murder trial, defence say

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, Philip Dunbar, aged 20, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Adam Muldoon, aged 23, who was stabbed 183 times in Tallaght in June 2018. His barrister, Giollaiosa O'Lideadha SC, argued that the prosecution failed to prove intent, citing a pathologist's view that the injuries could stem from a mental disorder. O'Lideadha highlighted that Dunbar had no memory of the act, had blacked out, and was intoxicated with cannabis and benzodiazepines at the time. The defence presented Dr. Brenda Wright, a forensic psychiatrist, who found no mental disorder and no diminished responsibility, but noted intoxication may have influenced behaviour. The prosecution's counsel, Pauline Walley SC, countered that intoxication did not negate intent, citing CCTV showing Dunbar's composed demeanor and a claim that he was not overcome by drugs. The jury was asked to weigh these conflicting accounts. Philip Dunbar was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: State failed to prove intent in homeless man murder trial, defence say. Charges or matters: the murder of Adam Muldoon (23) at Butler Park in Jobstown Park, Tallaght on June 22 or June 23, 2018. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Not guilty by reason of insanity

When:

• June 22 Other
• June 23, 2018 Other
• 2020-10-28 Publication

Why: " She said the prosecution doesn't have to prove motive but reminded the jury that one of Mr Dunbar's former friends, who can't be named, said that the accused had said on a number of occasions that he wanted to put Mr Muldoon "out of his misery". Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Finding Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report