Courts / Kildare / Report
20-year-old 'running for his life' and was killed in anger, prosecution tell jury
Summary
In a trial in the Central Criminal Court, a 49‑year‑old Serbian truck driver, Zoltan Almasi, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of a 20‑year‑old Kildare man, Joseph Dunne, on 16 May 2014. Prosecutor Caroline Biggs argued that Dunne was running for his life and was not a threat when Almasi struck him with a baseball bat in anger, causing a blow to the back of his head that shattered his skull. She urged the jury to consider CCTV footage showing Almasi raising the bat and to infer intent to cause serious injury. Biggs explained that provocation would reduce murder to manslaughter, but she said Almasi's anger was insufficient for that defence. The jury was asked to decide whether Almasi intended to kill or seriously injure Dunne and whether he was provoked. Barra McGrory QC began his defence speech later in the proceedings.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 20-year-old 'running for his life' and was killed in anger, prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: murdering Joseph Dunne, but guilty to his manslaughter at Harbour View on May 16 2014. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 16 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-06-22 Publication
Why: Counsel explained that, in this case, if the jury was satisfied of the intention to kill or seriously injure, it then had to ask if Mr Almasi was provoked. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Joseph Dunne, but guilty to his manslaughter at Harbour View on May 16 2014 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request