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Teen 'acted in self defence to protect home', defence tell murder trial jury

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, 20‑year‑old Dean Kerrie pleaded not guilty to the killing of 25‑year‑old Jack Power, who entered Kerrie's Portarlington home as a trespasser. Kerrie's defence counsel, Ciaran O'Loughlin SC, argued that Kerrie acted in self‑defence, claiming he was attacked and feared for his life. He said Kerrie brandished a knife but did not stab Power, who allegedly fell onto the blade. O'Loughlin highlighted the 999 call where Kerrie expressed fear and stated he stabbed Power "by accident." The prosecution, led by Michael Delaney SC, contended that Kerrie's account was implausible, citing inconsistencies with witnesses, the placement of the knife, and the lack of defensive injuries on Power. Delaney urged the jury to consider whether Kerrie used excessive force and whether a threat justified the stabbing. The case remains at the jury's deliberation stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen 'acted in self defence to protect home', defence tell murder trial jury. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Power at Shanakiel, Dunmore East, Co Waterford on July 26, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 26, 2018 Other
• 2022-02-14 Publication

Why: Today, Mr Delaney submitted in his closing address that because Mr Power had entered Mr Kerrie's house as a trespasser with intent to commit assault, then regard must be hard to self defence or the justifiable use of force and how these principles interacted with the basic ingredients of murder. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report