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Murder accused said he 'opened up' deceased's face, trial hears

Summary

During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 19 July 2023, the jury heard that Ian Connaghan, aged 34, sent a WhatsApp message on 14 November 2019 in which he claimed he was "after opening Mulvey's face up" after a confrontation with Michael Mulvey, aged 55, near a Dublin public house. Connaghan alleged that Mulvey had almost struck him with his car while he was crossing the road, that Mulvey had screamed at him, and that later that day Mulvey "came running at me from behind." Connaghan said he dropped his bag, "caught him a dig," and "opened up his face." He also claimed Mulvey had spat on his leg in the pub and that Mulvey "had it coming." Daniel Connaghan, aged 43, sent a separate message claiming Mulvey had "tried to knock down Iano" and that the brothers left Mulvey in an awful state. Ian Connaghan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said he 'opened up' deceased's face, trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael 'Mick' Mulvey (55) on November 27, 2019; intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Mulvey at the Navan Road almost two weeks earlier on November 14, 2019; assault causing harm to Mr Mulvey on the same occasion. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 27, 2019 Other
• November 14 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 14, 2019 Incident
• 2023-07-19 Publication

Why: The jury also heard evidence from witness Thomas Maher, who told Anne Rowland SC, prosecuting, that on November 14, 2019, he was returning from a hospital appointment and was travelling down the Navan Road, when he had to stop because there was a fight taking place on the traffic island at the roundabout. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report