Courts / Kildare / Report
Law 'all for the accused', family of baseball bat killing victim tell court
Summary
Zoltan Almasi, 49, appeared before Mr Justice Michael White for sentencing after his conviction for the manslaughter of Joseph Dunne. The matter is at the appeal stage, following a history where Almasi's initial murder conviction was quashed by the Supreme Court, leading to two retrials that ended in jury disagreements. Ultimately, the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted a plea of manslaughter, which Almasi had previously offered. Prosecution counsel Caroline Biggs SC stated the DPP considers the offence in the high culpability bracket for manslaughter, attracting a headline sentence of 10 to 15 years. Defence counsel Barra McGrory QC argued the incident was spontaneous, noting Almasi had no prior convictions and did not intend serious harm. He suggested the offence falls in the higher end of the middle category, citing Almasi's positive prison conduct and remorse. The Dunne family, who described the killing as murder, complained that the legal process had torn their son's character apart. Mr Justice White adjourned the matter, stating he will sentence Almasi on September 8.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Law 'all for the accused', family of baseball bat killing victim tell court. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Dunne on May 16, 2014 following a trial. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 16, 2014 Incident
- Wednesday September 8 Other
- 2021-09-03 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: murdering Mr Dunne on May 16, 2014 following a trial (Proven)
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Ms Biggs told Mr Justice Michael White that the Director of Public Prosecutions considers Almasi's offence to be in the high culpability bracket for manslaughter, which would attract a headline sentence of between ten to 15 years.
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