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Homeless man had almost €150k in funds just weeks before his body was found on fire in Dublin park, murder trial hears
Summary
In a 2015 murder trial, the prosecution presented evidence that the 29‑year‑old accused, Ciaran Moran, had almost €150,000 in funds just weeks before the body of Gerard Donnelly was found burning in Phoenix Park. Donnelly's body was discovered with a V‑shaped wound on a thumb, a freshly amputated left little toe, and extensive head fractures. The State Pathologist attributed death to blunt force trauma to the head, with fire damage under the head and neck. The prosecution argued that Moran, who was homeless and had been seen in the park, was in the area around 10:30 pm on 28 November and had items such as a hammer and a gas canister that matched those found at the scene. The jury was instructed to decide whether Moran caused Donnelly's death and had the necessary intent. The trial was scheduled to last ten working days.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Homeless man had almost €150k in funds just weeks before his body was found on fire in Dublin park, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Donnelly at an unknown time during November 28th or 29th, 2013; murdering Mr Donnelly in the Phoenix Park. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 28th Incident
- November 29th Other
- October 29th Incident
- November 30th Other
- 2015-05-05 Publication
Why: Caroline Biggs SC explained that Mr Donnelly's left little toe had been freshly amputated and that he had a v-shaped wound to a thumb, when his body was found in the Phoenix Park. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Donnelly at an unknown time during November 28th or 29th, 2013; murdering Mr Donnelly in the Phoenix Park (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Dublin park
- Phoenix Park
- Camden Street
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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