Courts / Ireland / Report

Closing speeches in trial of man accused of murdering his neighbour

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, Anthony Locke, 38, of Ballyfermot, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Christopher Jackson, 53, whose body was found in a wardrobe on Prussia Street between 6 and 7 September 2012. Prosecutor Conor Devally argued that all parties involved in a criminal offence are guilty, citing evidence from Jackson's partner, Barbara Staunton, who claimed Locke restrained her. Devally suggested a "division of labour" between Locke and his brother, and urged the jury to consider whether Locke was an active participant. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer countered that the prosecution relied on inconsistent testimony from Staunton, who he described as lying. He highlighted the lack of motive and the absence of evidence that Locke acted without duress, urging the jury to acquit on murder and the related charge of concealing a body. The trial will resume next Monday before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a 12‑person jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Closing speeches in trial of man accused of murdering his neighbour. Charges or matters: the murder of Christopher Jackson (53) at his apartment on Prussia Street, between September 6th and 7th, 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• September 6th Incident
• 2015-11-12 Publication

Why: He said he believed the accused told gardai in one interview that he wasn't saying any more because Mr Locke was "suddenly realising he was giving away too much of the truth". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report