Courts / Dublin / Report

12-year battle ends as Dekker fails in bid to overturn Daniel McAnaspie murder conviction

Date
2022-07-27

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

In a 12‑year saga that began when 17‑year‑old Daniel McAnaspie vanished in February 2010, the Supreme Court rejected Richard Dekker's appeal against his murder conviction. Dekker, 35, had been acquitted in 2013 but was later retried and found guilty in 2017. The jury heard that Dekker stabbed Daniel in Tolka Valley Park, then placed the body in a suitcase and dumped it in a drain 30 km away, where it was discovered three months later. Dekker's appeal argued that the final interview conducted by Gardaí at Cabra Garda Station was improper and that his statements should not have been admitted. The three‑judge court, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, found the interview admissible, noting that Dekker's answers were self‑serving but not excluded. The appeal was dismissed, ending the case with Dekker's conviction upheld. The article does not report any subsequent sentencing or further legal action.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 12-year battle ends as Dekker fails in bid to overturn Daniel McAnaspie murder conviction. Charges or matters: manslaughter in relation to Daniel's death and his plea was accepted. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Acquitted

When:

February 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
2022-07-27 Publication

Why: When Dekker asked to speak to his solicitor, gardai told him they had tried calling but because of the early hour there was no answer. CNI source report

Case subjects

Richard Dekker

Appellant

Charges: manslaughter in relation to Daniel's death and his plea was accepted (Alleged Or Contested)

Finding: Acquitted

Outcome: Acquitted; At a sentencing hearing for Noone in 2017 Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy noted that Noone knew Dekker was carrying the shears and so put his offence at the upper end for manslaughter and sentenced him to 13 years in prison.