Courts / Dublin / Report

Dublin man cleared of Shankill murder but found guilty of manslaughter

Date
2015-08-01
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Wayne Kennedy, 34, of Rathsallagh Park, Dublin, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter in the 2013 death of David Spain at the same address. The trial at the Central Criminal Court concluded after four hours and 48 minutes of deliberation. Kennedy was also charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Sean Turner, a professional boxer, but the jury returned a unanimous not‑guilty verdict on that charge. The prosecution alleged that Kennedy, armed with a knife, stabbed Spain six times after a confrontation that began with a text message from Kennedy to Turner. Defence counsel argued that Kennedy was ambushed and acted in self‑defence, citing CCTV footage of him moving backwards. The case was remanded for sentencing on 23 November.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dublin man cleared of Shankill murder but found guilty of manslaughter. Charges or matters: murdering David Spain on December 26th, 2013 at this address as well as intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Sean Turner on the same date; both counts. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted

When:

Case subjects

Wayne Kennedy

Accused

Charges: murdering David Spain on December 26th, 2013 at this address as well as intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Sean Turner on the same date; both counts (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Acquitted

Outcome: Acquitted; He remanded Wayne Kennedy in custody to be sentenced on November 23rd of this year.; He remanded Wayne Kennedy in custody to be sentenced on November 23rd of this year.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
  • Rathsallagh Park
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Facility
  • David Spain's house
  • St Vincent's Hospital

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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