Courts / Waterford / Report

The trespasser: the trial of Dean Kerrie

Date
2022-07-13

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dunmore East

Summary

The trial of 17‑year‑old Dean Kerrie centred on the death of fisherman Jack Power, who was stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife during a night of violence at Kerrie's home in Dunmore East. Garda evidence showed broken windows, blood‑stained furniture and a knife heavily stained with Power's blood. Kerrie claimed he was defending himself after Power entered as a trespasser, while witnesses such as Christopher Lee denied that Power had forced entry and alleged Kerrie deliberately killed him. The prosecution argued that a large knife wound implied intent to cause serious injury. The judge explained the jury's options: acquittal for lawful self‑defence, manslaughter for excessive but honest force, or murder if the accused knew the force was excessive. After two days of deliberation, the jury found Kerrie guilty of manslaughter. The verdict was based on the evidence that Kerrie used force he believed necessary, but that the force was excessive.