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Murder accused told deceased 'I'm going to slaughter you', prosecution reminds jury

Summary

In a murder case, Damien Singleton, 30, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for stabbing friend Peter Donnelly, 39, to death on O'Connell Street on 11 June 2019. The State reminded the jury that Singleton had sent Donnelly a threatening message before the stabbing, saying he would "slaughter" him. The prosecution argued that the intent to kill was clear, citing the message, CCTV footage of Singleton's movements, and the fact that Donnelly was stabbed twice in the jugular vein and aorta with a knife Singleton carried. The defence contended that Singleton's intoxication with alcohol and drugs, and the absence of self‑defence or provocation, negated murder intent. The judge adjourned the case to allow the jury to receive the charge and begin deliberations.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told deceased 'I'm going to slaughter you', prosecution reminds jury. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his friend, Peter Donnelly (39), also of no fixed abode, on O'Connell Street on June 11, 2019; the manslaughter of father-of-one Mr Singleton. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• June 11, 2019 Other
• 2021-11-23 Publication

Why: Today in his closing speech to the jury, Mr Lorcan Staines SC, for the State, said that there was no issue that Mr Singleton killed Mr Donnelly because a guilty plea had been entered. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report