Courts / Kildare / Report

Murder accused denies knowing he did 'terrible thing'

Summary

Zoltan Almasi, 49, a Serbian truck driver, denies knowing he had committed a terrible act when he left the scene after striking 20‑year‑old Joseph Dunne with a baseball bat. Almasi, who is in the witness box for a second day at the Central Criminal Court, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death that occurred on 16 May 2014 at Harbour View. He testified that he had gone out with a bat to chase people who were harassing his van, without intending harm, and later returned home, showered, and went to his wife's house as arranged. Prosecutor Caroline Biggs cross‑examined him, showing CCTV of his departure and questioning his route choice and why he did not call the gardai earlier. The cross‑examination continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury of seven men and four women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused denies knowing he did 'terrible thing'. Charges or matters: murdering Kildare man Joseph Dunne, but guilty to his manslaughter at Harbour View on May 16, 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 16, 2014 Incident
• 2021-06-17 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• 'Merciful approach': man who sexually assaulted girl (14) a year after defiling her won't face any extra jail time
• Court rejects grandfather's appeal for abusing grandson
• 'I'm going to kill you' - Carjacker held knife to elderly woman's throat
• Mum-of-eight who booked hotel stays with gunman husband during garda manhunt gets suspended sentence
• Nigerian 'Colonel and Major' get combined 16.5 years over 'worldwide, breathtaking' money laundering racket
• Addict jailed after being caught with €330k worth of cannabis following traffic stop

Read the original CNI report