Courts / Kildare / Report
Murder trial witness describes how best friend lay bleeding
Summary
During the murder trial of Zoltan Almasi, witness Michael 'Mikey' McDonagh testified that he placed his jacket under the head of his best friend, Joseph 'Jojo' Dunne, after Dunne was struck with a baseball bat. McDonagh described seeing the bat hit Dunne's back of the head once, though he believed Dunne had been struck twice. He recounted that Dunne was drunk, shouting, and had challenged a "big, tall hairy" man to a fight. The man, later identified as Almasi, allegedly struck Dunne with a bat, causing blood to come from Dunne's ears and mouth. McDonagh said people from a nearby restaurant performed CPR for 20 minutes before Gardaí arrived. The witness left the court during cross‑examination, later returning after a break. The trial continues under Mr Justice Michael White. Zoltan Almasi pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder trial witness describes how best friend lay bleeding. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Dunne but guilty to his manslaughter on the night of May 16, 2014, at Harbour View, Naas. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 16, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 19, 2014 Other
- 2021-05-31 Publication
Why: The barrister said that CCTV shows the "big hairy man" make it to the door of his house but turn around to look down the street because, counsel said, he had heard Mr Dunne punch a vehicle. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Mr Dunne but guilty to his manslaughter on the night of May 16, 2014, at Harbour View, Naas (Alleged Or Contested)
Accused
Charges: the murder of Mr Dunne but guilty to his manslaughter on the night of May 16, 2014, at Harbour View, Naas (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Harbour View
- Naas
- Kildare Town
- CCTV street
- to gardaí at Naas Garda Station
- Naas
Topics
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