Courts / Ireland / Report

Murder jury urged to use logic

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court case, the prosecution urged the jury to apply logic when deciding the murder of a 25‑year‑old man who was stabbed over 100 times. Paul Burns SC presented evidence that the accused, Criostoir MacCarthaigh, 36, of An Gleann, Baile Phamar, was responsible for the killing of David Whyte in September 2008. He highlighted DNA linking MacCarthaigh to Whyte's trousers, which were reportedly pulled down, and questioned the credibility of witness Simon Griffin, suggesting an unblemished person would not witness a killing on Mill Lane. Burns argued that the evidence proved MacCarthaigh stabbed Whyte to death. Defending counsel Hugh Hartnett countered, asking the jury to consider the lack of motive for MacCarthaigh. The trial was set to conclude the following day before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury. Criostoir MacCarthaigh pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder jury urged to use logic. Charges or matters: murdering David Whyte in September 2008. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 2008 Other
• 2013-12-17 Publication

Why: " Defending senior counsel, Hugh Hartnett asked that the jury consider the lack of motive in the case of his client. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report