Courts / Dublin / Report

Stab wound cut schoolboy's main artery, pathologist tells murder trial

Date
2022-05-17

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The murder trial of George Gonzaga Bento, 36, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. The accused, a Brazilian national and delivery cyclist, has pleaded not guilty to four counts: murdering Josh Dunne, 16, on East Wall Road on January 26, 2021; producing a utility knife in a manner likely to intimidate; and assaulting two other young men. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers testified that Dunne sustained two chest stab wounds, with the fatal injury penetrating the ascending aorta. She stated that while one sweeping movement could theoretically cause both wounds, it would be very difficult, noting the wounds' differing directions suggested two separate movements. Dunne was found to be Covid-positive at the time of death. Defence counsel cross-examined witnesses, including two unnamed 17-year-old boys, arguing their statements contradicted CCTV footage and that the man on the moped was the initial aggressor in a dispute over a stolen bicycle. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stab wound cut schoolboy's main artery, pathologist tells murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Josh at East Wall Road, East Wall on January 26, 2021; each of the four counts. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 26, 2021 Incident
January 27, 2021 Other
February 5 Other
2022-05-17 Publication

Why: Following this, a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named because he is a child, told Mr Baker that he did not see anyone being stabbed that night but did remember Josh dropping to the ground. CNI source report