Courts / Dublin / Report

'Peaceful' murder accused 'terrified' in aftermath of fatal stabbing, witness tells trial

Date
2022-05-18
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

During the Central Criminal Court hearing on 18 May 2022, witness Jose Pedroso, a Brazilian delivery cyclist, testified that George Gonzaga Bento, a 36‑year‑old Brazilian national, was "terrified, sad and scared" after the fatal stabbing of 16‑year‑old Josh Dunne on 26 January 2021. Pedroso described Bento as a "calm, peaceful person" and a "good guy in general" who worked hard. He said Bento did not eat that evening and wanted to see a lawyer, but the lawyer could not meet until the next morning. Pedroso also noted that Bento feared retaliation or attacks in Dublin 3. Bento is charged with murdering Dunne, producing a utility knife in a manner likely to intimidate, and assault causing harm to two other young men. He has pleaded not guilty to all four counts. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of five men and seven women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Peaceful' murder accused 'terrified' in aftermath of fatal stabbing, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: murdering 16-year-old Josh at East Wall Road, East Wall on January 26, 2021; each of the four counts. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: The witness agreed that after he learned about the incident at East Wall he invited Mr Bento to his flat and tried to find a lawyer because Mr Bento's English wasn't good enough. CNI source report

Case subjects

George Gonzaga Bento

Accused

Charges: murdering 16-year-old Josh at East Wall Road, East Wall on January 26, 2021; each of the four counts (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • East Wall Road
Residence
Incident
  • Talbot Street
Garda Station
  • lawyer to Store Street Garda Station
  • Store Street

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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