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Remorseless murderer who stabbed disabled homeless man 183 times to remain behind bars

Summary

Philip Dunbar, aged 23, was found guilty of murder after stabbing Adam 'Floater' Muldoon 183 times in an unprovoked attack in Tallaght in 2018. He appealed his conviction, arguing a mental disorder caused by chronic drug use and that CCTV evidence infringed his privacy. The Court of Appeal, hearing via video-link, dismissed all grounds. Justice John Edwards noted the appeal was "bordering on un-statable" and that privacy claims were "misconceived". He emphasised that without an expert opinion proving a mental disorder at the time of the murder, the defence could not rely on that defence. The court also rejected arguments about the admissibility of admissions and a key witness's evidence. Dunbar remains imprisoned, with no changes to his sentence announced. The case highlights the court's stance on mental disorder defenses and CCTV use in criminal trials.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Remorseless murderer who stabbed disabled homeless man 183 times to remain behind bars. Charges or matters: murder by a unanimous jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• June 22 Incident
• 2024-01-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report