Courts / Dublin / Report
Murder accused walked into garda station with dad to 'hand himself in', court hears
Summary
The trial of 22‑year‑old Brandon Gavin, accused of murdering 19‑year‑old Marius Mamaliga, is ongoing. Gavin, who lives on Brookdale Road, Rivervalley, Swords, walked into Swords Garda Station with his father on 23 February 2023, where his father told officers that Gavin wanted to "hand himself in." Gavin told the garda that he had stabbed Mamaliga in the neck while sitting behind him in a car, claiming the deceased "came at" him and that he was in fear for his life because he owed €2,500 for drugs. He also said he had thrown the knife away after the incident. Garda David Durnin, who was on duty that day, gave evidence that Gavin had told him he was in panic after the stabbing. Detective Garda Conor Tumbleton reported that when Gavin was cautioned, he repeated that he had defended himself. Brandon Gavin pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused walked into garda station with dad to 'hand himself in', court hears. Charges or matters: the murder of 19-year-old Marius Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23, 2023. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 23, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 23 Incident
- February 26 Other
- 2024-11-06 Publication
Why: Garda Durnin said that the accused told him he had stabbed Mr Mamaliga in self-defence because he was in fear for his life as he owed money for drugs. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of 19-year-old Marius Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23, 2023 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Brookdale Road
- Swords
- Central Criminal Court
- on duty at Swords Garda Station
- Swords
- father came to the garda station
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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