Courts / Dublin / Report

Dublin murder trial hears closing speeches

Date
2014-01-24

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin murder trial, Andrew Gibney, aged 21, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Gerard Burnett, aged 28, who suffered 30 stab wounds and died shortly after the incident on 21 August 2012. Gibney admitted stabbing Burnett three times with a kitchen knife, claiming he was remorseful and had no intention to kill. Prosecutor Tom O'Connell argued that Gibney was part of a joint enterprise that collectively murdered Burnett, citing the seriousness of the injuries described by Pathologist Marie Cassidy. Defence counsel Giollaiosa O'Lideadha contended that Gibney had no plan to kill and that the prosecution had not proven he inflicted the fatal wounds. Judge Patrick McCarthy explained that common purpose could be tacit and that the jury must decide whether Gibney's actions constituted murder or manslaughter, noting that a lack of a causative chain could lead to acquittal. The judge would resume his address to the jury on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin murder trial hears closing speeches. Charges or matters: murdering Gerard Burnett (28) at Castlecurragh Vale, Mulhuddart on August 21, 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

August 21, 2012 Incident
2014-01-24 Publication

Why: Mr Giollaiosa O'Lideadha SC defending said his client went to gardai to confess he stabbed Mr Burnett because he was extremely remorseful and upset. Defence account reported by CNI