Courts / Dublin / Report

Man accused of murdering disabled homeless man didn't have intent, defence say

Date
2020-10-29

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Tallaght

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Philip Dunbar, aged 20, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 23‑year‑old Adam Muldoon, who was stabbed 183 times in Butler Park, Jobstown Park, Tallaght, on 22 or 23 June 2018. His barrister, Giollaiosa Ó Lideadha SC, argued that the prosecution had not proved Dunbar had the intent to kill or cause serious injury, citing Dunbar's intoxication and long‑term drug use. Ó Lideadha highlighted that Dunbar had no memory of the incident, having blacked out after approaching the victim. He challenged the reliability of a prosecution witness who claimed Dunbar admitted "slaughtering" Muldoon, pointing out ten fundamental problems with that witness's evidence. The barrister urged the jury to consider that Dunbar's intent was not established, given his intoxication and the circumstances surrounding the crime. The judge, Paul McDermott, began addressing the jury, with proceedings to continue the next day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of murdering disabled homeless man didn't have intent, defence say. Charges or matters: the murder of 23-year-old Adam Muldoon on June 22 or June 23, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 22 Hearing Or Sentence
June 23, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-10-29 Publication

Why: " However, he said that the probable view that he set out involved the prosecution not proving intent because of his client's intoxication. Prosecution account reported by CNI