Courts / Kildare / Report

Murder accused does not have to hold baseball bat used in killing, judge rules

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Mr Justice Michael White ruled that Zoltan Almasi, a 49‑year‑old Serbian truck driver, need not hold the baseball bat used to kill 20‑year‑old Joseph Dunne in Harbour View on 16 May 2014. Almasi pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Caroline Biggs SC, had requested the bat be presented to Almasi during cross‑examination. Almasi claimed he did not remember the impact and refused to touch the bat, stating he did not want to handle it. Justice White confirmed that Almasi was not required to touch the bat if he chose not to. The case continues with further cross‑examination scheduled for the next day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused does not have to hold baseball bat used in killing, judge rules. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-06-17 Publication

Why: " "Is that because you were so hellbent on doing damage to JJ Dunne, you didn't hear anything else? CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report