Courts / Wicklow / Report
Philip Doyle fails in appeal against conviction for killing three-month-old baby
Summary
Philip Doyle, aged 38, was convicted of manslaughter for the death of his ex‑fiancée's three‑and‑a‑half‑month‑old baby, Ross Murphy, in April 2005. The Central Criminal Court, after a four‑week trial, returned a unanimous verdict of manslaughter, and Doyle was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment on 15 May 2012. Doyle appealed, arguing that the trial judge had not adequately considered expert medical evidence and that the injuries could have resulted from an accidental fall. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, rejected the appeal, stating that the conviction was "safe" and the trial was "satisfactory." Mr Justice Ryan noted that the jury had been properly instructed to weigh expert testimony and that the evidence supported the conclusion that the baby's severe injuries were inflicted by Doyle rather than by an accidental fall. The appeal was dismissed, leaving Doyle's conviction and sentence intact. Philip Doyle pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Philip Doyle fails in appeal against conviction for killing three-month-old baby. Charges or matters: the murder of baby Ross Murphy at Creagh Demesne, Gory, Co Wexford, on April 5 2005. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 5 2005 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 15 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 10 2004 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 2004 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2005 Other
- Sunday April 3 2005 Other
- 2015-06-18 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: the murder of baby Ross Murphy at Creagh Demesne, Gory, Co Wexford, on April 5 2005 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: He was subsequently sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by Mr Justice McCarthy on May 15 2012.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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