Courts / Cavan / Report

Archaeologist was stabbed 17 times, murder trial hears

Summary

A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court heard that archaeologist Emmett Connolly sustained 17 stab wounds during an incident at a house in Cootehill, County Cavan on September 28, 2013. Kevin Moran, aged 30, of Lodgeview, Cootehill, is charged with Mr Connolly's murder. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the Director of Public Prosecutions did not accept. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis gave evidence describing the fatal injuries, predominantly to the deceased's left shoulder, arm and upper back. Several wounds penetrated deeply, with one reaching 12 centimetres and damaging the left lung. Dr Curtis stated the cause of death was multiple stab wounds. The court heard Mr Connolly, aged 32, an archaeologist who had recently returned from Australia, had high levels of alcohol in his system. The prosecution argued the evidence pointed to murder, while the defence submitted circumstances surrounding Mr Moran's personal loss were relevant to the case. The trial was continuing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Archaeologist was stabbed 17 times, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Emmet Connolly (32) at Lodgeview, Cootehill on September 29 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 29 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• September 30 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
• Saturday September 28 Hearing Or Sentence
• Sunday September 29 Other
• Monday September 30 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 1, 2013 Other
• September 9 Other
• September 2013 Other
• 2015-02-12 Publication

Why: In his closing speech to the jury, Mr McCarthy called it an "unlawful killing" and referred to the defence argument by Patrick Gageby SC, who previously said that Kevin Moran acted the way he did because his partner died of ecstasy two years previous. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report