Courts / Dublin / Report
Phoenix Park murder accused changes plea to guilty after judge rules confession should go to jury
Summary
A 29‑year‑old homeless man, Ciaran Moran, pleaded guilty to murdering 36‑year‑old Gerard Donnelly in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Donnelly's body was found on fire with a severed toe. Moran had previously pleaded not guilty, but after a judge ruled that his descriptive confession should be heard by the jury, he changed his plea. The trial heard evidence that Moran knew Donnelly had substantial money, that he sent a photo of a severed toe from his phone the night after the murder, and that CCTV showed Moran walking to the scene and spending money the next day. The prosecution presented a video of Moran's confession in Garda custody, in which he described striking Donnelly with a lump hammer, photographing the victim, cutting off the toe, and setting him on fire. The judge allowed the confession to be admitted and the case was adjourned for further preparation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Phoenix Park murder accused changes plea to guilty after judge rules confession should go to jury. Charges or matters: murdering Mr Donnelly at an unknown time during November 28th or 29th, 2013; the murder and went on trial last week. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 28th Hearing Or Sentence
- November 29th Hearing Or Sentence
- October 29th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-05-15 Publication
Why: He then told an acquaintance that he had killed Mr Donnelly because he (the deceased) had been accused of interfering with children. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Mr Donnelly at an unknown time during November 28th or 29th, 2013; the murder and went on trial last week (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: The judge, who must impose the mandatory life sentence, adjourned the case until Wednesday next.; The judge, who must impose the mandatory life sentence, adjourned the case until Wednesday next.
Places mentioned
- Dublin park
- Phoenix Park
- The Central Criminal Court
- Camden Street
Topics
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