Courts / Dublin / Report
Jealous boyfriend who murdered love rival after finding him in partner's bedroom fails in appeal
Summary
Keith Connorton, in his 40s, was convicted of murdering Graham McKeever, 32, on 18 February 2017 after finding McKeever sleeping with his partner, Claire McGrath, in their Tallaght flat. Connorton stabbed McKeever four times, the fatal blow penetrating the heart. He pleaded not guilty, claiming self‑defence, and later appealed, arguing that the trial judge erred in applying section 16 of the Criminal Justice Act (2006) and in allowing McGrath's 999 call to be admitted. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, finding no error of law and confirming the jury's 10‑2 guilty verdict. The court noted that McGrath's evidence was critical to the trial and that the judge was correct to admit the recording of her 999 call. Connorton remains sentenced to life imprisonment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jealous boyfriend who murdered love rival after finding him in partner's bedroom fails in appeal. Charges or matters: stabbing Mr McKeever to death after he found him sleeping with his partner. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- February 18, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-10-21 Publication
Why: His legal team had also argued that a 999 call in which Ms McGrath blamed Connorton should have been ruled out because what she said may have been "concocted" or "fabricated". CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: stabbing Mr McKeever to death after he found him sleeping with his partner (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; Keith Connorton was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of murdering Graham McKeever (32) at Deerpark Avenue, Tallaght on February 18, 2017 by a majority verdict and sentenced to life.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Deerpark Avenue
Topics
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