Courts / Dublin / Report

Dad-of-two had no defensive wounds, pathologist tells murder trial

Summary

In a Dublin murder trial, the Central Criminal Court heard that Vincent Parsons, 34, died on 26 August 2019 from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy caused by internal bleeding and a heart attack following blunt‑force trauma. The prosecution alleged that Philip Disney (27) and Sean Carlyle (30) beat Parsons to death after a confrontation at the Killinarden Inn. Parsons suffered 12 facial injuries, a broken nose, and no defensive wounds on his hands or forearms. Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that Parsons had no pulse upon admission, was resuscitated with adrenaline, but ultimately died at 7.20 pm. She noted cocaine and alcohol in his system but said they were not contributory. Forensic evidence included DNA from blood on shorts and a T‑shirt linked to Carlyle, and a watch identified by Parsons' mother. The accused pleaded not guilty. The case was scheduled to close the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dad-of-two had no defensive wounds, pathologist tells murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Parsons. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 26, 2019 Incident
• August 28, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas Other
• 2022-12-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report