Courts / Meath / Report

Cause of death 'absolutely central' to case, murder trial jury told

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, defence counsel Garnet Orange SC argued that the death of builder Michael Mulvey was not a natural consequence of an assault he suffered on 14 November 2019. Orange highlighted that Mulvey, aged 55, was not in good health, had been released from hospital with painkillers, and had gone back to the pub to drink that night. He questioned the prosecution's evidence, noting that pathologists Dr. Heidi Okkers and Dr. Stuart Hamilton had differing views on the cause of death, with Hamilton suggesting heart disease and rib fractures contributed, while the defence's Professor Jack Crane concluded a heart attack. Orange urged the jury to consider whether the injuries inflicted by accused Ian and Daniel Connaghan contributed substantially to Mulvey's death, noting that causation could be sufficient for murder or manslaughter. The trial was set to resume with further jury directions from Judge Paul Burns. The unnamed 55-year-old pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cause of death 'absolutely central' to case, murder trial jury told. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael 'Mick' Mulvey (55) on November 27, 2019. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 14, 2019 Incident
• November 27, 2019 Other
• November 14 Other
• November 2019 Other
• November 26 Other
• 2023-07-25 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report