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Murder accused initially told gardai that former rugby captain arrived at flat in "assaulted state", trial hears
Summary
During the trial of Gary Walsh, 32, accused of murdering former Dublin rugby club captain Cathal Sweeney, the jury heard that Walsh initially told Gardaí Sweeney had arrived at a Terenure flat "in an assaulted state" and had "dropped unconscious." Walsh pleaded not guilty to murder but had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. Prosecution witnesses included Thomas Doolin of the Dolphins Barn Fire Brigade, who reported that when he asked the two men in the flat what had happened to Sweeney, both said Sweeney had arrived thirty minutes earlier with injuries. Bryan Mullen, a general nurse, testified he had tried to resuscitate Sweeney for fifteen minutes and observed severe head injuries and bleeding. Gardaí Stephen Pendred and John Walsh recounted that Walsh, wearing blood‑soaked tracksuit bottoms, was the main speaker while the third man, Colm Campbell, remained quiet. Pendred noted Walsh's agitation and numerous questions about Sweeney.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused initially told gardai that former rugby captain arrived at flat in "assaulted state", trial hears. Charges or matters: the murder of Cathal Sweeney at a house in Terenure on February 8, 2014; the manslaughter of Mr Sweeney at the Central Criminal Court yesterday but this plea was not accepted by the State. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 8, 2014 Incident
- 2015-10-07 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Cathal Sweeney at a house in Terenure on February 8, 2014; the manslaughter of Mr Sweeney at the Central Criminal Court yesterday but this plea was not accepted by the State (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Ravensdale Park
- Dublin
- Central Criminal Court
- Doolin
- Ashdale Gardens
- St James's Hospital
- was attached to Rathmines Garda Station
- Detective Unit of Terenure Garda Station
- of Terenure Garda Station
Topics
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