Courts / Dublin / Report

Murderer who claimed wife stabbed herself to death loses 'contrived' appeal that he was provoked

Summary

In October 2021, 41‑year‑old Brazilian Renato Gehlen was convicted by a unanimous jury of murdering 37‑year‑old Anne Colomines in Dublin. He denied the murder and claimed that Colomines had stabbed herself during a struggle, producing a knife and cutting herself four times. The State argued that Gehlen's appeal was contradictory to his trial position and that evidence for a provocation defence was lacking. The Court of Appeal, hearing the appeal on 13 October 2023, rejected Gehlen's claim that he could have argued provocation at trial. Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh noted that the production of a knife alone did not constitute provocation and that there was no evidence of loss of self‑control. The appeal was dismissed, leaving Gehlen's mandatory life sentence in place. The case remains at the appellate stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murderer who claimed wife stabbed herself to death loses 'contrived' appeal that he was provoked. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• October 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 25, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-10-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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'

Read the original CNI report