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Convicted rapist tells trial he had 'lawful excuse' for making threats

Summary

Michael Murray, a convicted rapist, is currently on trial for alleged threats to kill and harassment. He has pleaded not guilty to making death threats against Dominic McGinn SC and Tony McGillicuddy BL in late 2014 and early 2015, as well as harassing Mr. McGinn, his former solicitor, and his rape victim by advertising them online as prostitutes. During his testimony on day 11 of the trial, Murray claimed he had a "lawful excuse" for these actions, stating he intended to use the threats as a mechanism to force witnesses from his original trial into court to elicit evidence for a potential appeal. He alleged that the conduct of his previous trial, where his sentence was increased from 15 to 19 years by the Court of Appeal, justified his behavior. Under cross-examination, Murray admitted to devising six ads on BackPage.com that listed the personal phone numbers of the victims and intended to cause them distress. He acknowledged his intention to alarm the barristers and harass the complainant and his former solicitor. Despite these admissions, he maintained his defense was based on a lawful excuse related to the prior proceedings. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Convicted rapist tells trial he had 'lawful excuse' for making threats. Charges or matters: making threats to kill; harassment. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• February 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 19, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 22, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-06-30 Publication

Why: The lawful reason was because of how the previous trial was conducted," he said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report