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Witness tells murder trial that accused told her he had killed homeless man
Summary
In a 2015 murder trial, Charlene O'Connor testified that Ciaran Moran, a 29‑year‑old homeless man, told her he had killed Gerard Donnelly, a homeless informant accused of touching children, to "teach him a lesson." O'Connor described meeting Moran at Heuston Station on 28 November 2013, where he showed her a bag containing a blow torch, hammer, cable ties and wire. She said he explained the items were for a man who had interfered with children. Moran allegedly mentioned two Germans were involved and that he had bought a bike and had €150. O'Connor also identified photographs of a toe and a face, which Moran claimed were proof for the Germans. The trial heard from Garda Peter Devane about Donnelly's large cash holdings and from Pathologist Marie Cassidy about Donnelly's fatal injuries, including a hammer and a pincers‑type tool found near his head. The case proceeded before Justice Margaret Heneghan and a jury. Ciaran Moran pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Witness tells murder trial that accused told her he had killed homeless man. Charges or matters: murdering him at an unknown time during November 28th or 29th, 2013. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- November 28th Other
- October 29th Hearing Or Sentence
- November 29th Other
- 2015-05-06 Publication
Why: A witness has told a murder trial that the accused told her he had killed a homeless man because the deceased had been accused of 'touching young kids' and was a garda informant. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering him at an unknown time during November 28th or 29th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Dublin park
- Phoenix Park
- Camden Street
Topics
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