Courts / Waterford / Report

Murder trial jury must consider if teen used reasonable force when man came into his home

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, the jury must decide whether 17‑year‑old Dean Kerrie used reasonable force when fisherman Jack Power entered his home. Judge Paul McDermott explained three possible verdicts: acquittal if Kerrie's force was objectively reasonable, manslaughter if he believed the force necessary but used excessive force, and murder if he knew the force was excessive. Evidence includes a 999 call from Kerrie at 3:44 am, eyewitness accounts, and Kerrie's own statements to Gardaí. The case centers on Power's alleged entry after a night of drinking, a broken window, and a single stab wound to Power's chest. Kerrie, aged 20 at trial, pleaded not guilty to murdering 25‑year‑old Power, who died at Shanakiel, Dunmore East. The jury began deliberations on the day of the hearing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial jury must consider if teen used reasonable force when man came into his home. Charges or matters: murdering 25-year-old Jack Power at Shanakiel, Dunmore East, Co Waterford on July 26, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• July 26, 2018 Other
• July 26 Other
• 2022-07-12 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report