Courts / Dublin / Report
Closing speeches in trial of man accused of murdering his uncle
Summary
In the Central Criminal Court trial of David Cully, a 41‑year‑old from Finglas West, the defence argued for a manslaughter verdict on the basis of provocation. Cully had admitted killing his uncle, Edward O'Connor, who died from two gun‑shot wounds to the back. He claimed he shot O'Connor in the heat of the moment after O'Connor made a comment about a person who had alleged sexual abuse against him. The prosecution maintained that the killing was pre‑planned, citing evidence that Cully had threatened O'Connor a week earlier and had organised a 'straightener' that day. Cully pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury, composed of seven women and five men, was instructed by Mr Justice Carroll Moran to deliberate on the case the following day. The trial focused on whether Cully's actions were a result of provocation or pre‑meditated aggression.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Closing speeches in trial of man accused of murdering his uncle. Charges or matters: murdering his uncle, but guilty to his manslaughter at Ballycoolin Road, Finglas West on December 15th, 2013. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- December 15th, 2013 Other
- Christmas Other
- 2015-07-07 Publication
Why: "Just because this way of living and interacting is different doesn't mean you sit in judgement and say: 'Well, what do you expect? CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering his uncle, but guilty to his manslaughter at Ballycoolin Road, Finglas West on December 15th, 2013 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request