Courts / Wicklow / Report
Murder trial witness denies being asked to house for 'help' over missing drugs
Summary
During the second week of Darren Houlden's murder trial, the defence cross‑examined Rory "Tar" Kavanagh, a friend of the 37‑year‑old Stephen "Apples" Kavanagh, who was stabbed over 40 times on 6 May 2019. Kavanagh denied that the victim had asked him to help with missing cocaine or that he had sold drugs. He said the victim called him at 10:30 pm on 5 May for a normal conversation and that the victim had asked him to come to Houlden's house in Meadowvale that night, but Kavanagh refused. Kavanagh also denied that the victim had threatened to "get bodies down" to Houlden's house. The trial heard that Houlden, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claimed he had taken a blood‑stained knife to stop the victim from making a second phone call. The case remains in court before Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder trial witness denies being asked to house for 'help' over missing drugs. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Stephen "Apples" Kavanagh (37) at the same location in the early hours of May 6, 2019. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 6, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 6 Incident
- May 5 Incident
- 2020-12-01 Publication
Why: A friend of a man who was stabbed over 40 times after a row over missing cocaine has denied a defence suggestion that the victim rang him on the night because he "wanted help with the problem". Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Stephen "Apples" Kavanagh (37) at the same location in the early hours of May 6, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Houlden drove to Arklow Garda Station
- Arklow
- presented himself at Arklow Garda Station
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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