Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury shown knives in north Dublin murder trial

Date
2014-01-16

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Blanchardstown

County
Dublin

Summary

In the trial of Andrew Gibney, 21, of Drumheath Avenue, Mulhuddart, the jury was shown four knives found at his home after a warrant was executed on 27 August 2012. Gibney pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gerard Burnett, 28, who was stabbed 30 times and died in hospital on 21 August 2012. Gibney claimed he had been stabbed by Burnett four years earlier and that he had stabbed Burnett three times without intent to kill. The prosecution alleged a joint enterprise involving five men. Evidence included a knife on the kitchen worktop and three in a cutlery drawer, one with a damaged tip. Witness Gareth Mellett described a group of five men, one holding a knife, near Burnett's house that night. Dr Derek Hayden testified that Burnett was pronounced dead at 00.57 am after failed resuscitation attempts. The case proceeded before a jury of nine men and three women under Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury shown knives in north Dublin murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Gerard Burnett (28) at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart on August 21, 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When: