Courts / Dublin / Report
Witness tells murder trial of moment he found body of pensioner hacked to death with axe
Summary
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, witness James Ellis testified that he discovered the body of Kwok Ping Cheng, 76, in his sheltered accommodation on 29 April 2021. Ellis said he had visited the pensioner's home several times a week to check on him, and that on that morning he entered the apartment, found Cheng "covered in blood" in the sitting room, and called emergency services. State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers gave evidence that Cheng suffered multiple broken bones and scalp lacerations, most likely caused by an axe, and that his death was due to hypovolemic shock from blood loss. The accused, Oliver Doran, 24, pleaded not guilty to the murder, claiming he was intoxicated and could not remember much of the incident. The prosecution presented CCTV footage and DNA evidence linking Doran to the axe used in the killing. The trial continues before Mr Justice David Keane and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Witness tells murder trial of moment he found body of pensioner hacked to death with axe. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Cheng at Robinson's Court, Cork Street, Dublin 8, on a date between April 28 and 29, 2021. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 29 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- April 28 Incident
- 2023-01-13 Publication
Why: He told prosecution counsel, Anne-Marie Lawlor SC, that he would call to the pensioner's home about three or four times a week to check on him because he was a vulnerable person. Prosecution account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Mr Cheng at Robinson's Court, Cork Street, Dublin 8, on a date between April 28 and 29, 2021 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Cork Street
- Sophia House
Topics
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