Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury in Josh Dunne murder trial may have to consider issue of self defence

Date
2022-05-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, the State informed a jury that the accused, George Gonzaga Bento, a 36‑year‑old Brazilian delivery cyclist, may have to consider self‑defence. The prosecution case alleges Bento stabbed schoolboy Josh Dunne, 16, to death after a confrontation over a stolen bicycle on East Wall Road, January 26, 2021. The jury was told that Bento also stabbed two other young men that night and that the events unfolded in a surprisingly short period. The State's case is that Bento used a knife during a stand‑off with a man on a moped, then stabbed Dunne twice in the chest and once in the left hand within five seconds of Dunne's contact. The prosecution claims the force was excessive and unlawful, and that Bento's fear invoked during Garda interviews must be weighed against the alleged intent to kill. The trial will continue before Justice Paul Burns and a jury of five men and seven women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury in Josh Dunne murder trial may have to consider issue of self defence. Charges or matters: murdering the 16-year-old at East Wall Road, East Wall on January 26, 2021; each of the four counts. Procedural stage: trial

When: