Courts / Dublin / Report

Brother put tablets in murder accused's mouth, witness tells trial

Date
2020-11-19
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Crumlin
County
Dublin

Summary

During the Central Criminal Court hearing on 19 November 2020, a witness, Eddie Byrne, testified that he saw Gerard Lambe place a large blue tablet into the mouth of David Fortune, the accused in the murder of his father, on the day before the alleged stabbing. Byrne said Lambe offered the tablet to calm Fortune, who did not ask for it and was unaware of its contents. Byrne also reported seeing Lambe give a different tablet an hour before the incident, though he did not witness the act. The testimony was cross‑examined by the defence counsel, who confirmed the act. The trial also included a post‑mortem report by Dr Margot Bolster, describing the fatal neck wound and its cause as haemorrhage and shock. The case remains in progress. David Fortune pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brother put tablets in murder accused's mouth, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: his murder at that address. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

David Fortune

Accused

Charges: his murder at that address (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Gerard Lambe

Accused

Charges: his murder at that address (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request