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Murder accused's self defence claim 'self-serving nonsense', prosecution tell jury
Summary
In a murder trial, Brandon Gavin, aged 22, is accused of a planned and pre‑meditated stabbing of his 19‑year‑old friend Marius Mamaliga. Prosecutors argue Gavin entered the victim's car, stabbed him in the neck within eight seconds, and then disposed of the knife before returning home, citing his Google search for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland" and Tinder activity as evidence of pre‑planning. They describe the act as "murder – plain and simple" and dismiss his self‑defence claim as "self‑serving nonsense." Defence counsel counter that Gavin had made 47 calls that day trying to raise €2,000 owed for cocaine, and that he was in distress and fear, possibly acting in self‑preservation. They portray him as a young man spiralling out of control, not a cold‑blooded killer. The jury is instructed to weigh these conflicting accounts before delivering a verdict. Brandon Gavin pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused's self defence claim 'self-serving nonsense', prosecution tell jury. Charges or matters: the murder of 19-year-old Marius Mamaliga at Forest Court, Swords, on the evening of February 23, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 23, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-11-12 Publication
Why: The jury has also heard that in garda interviews, the accused said he 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
Outcome: On Friday, the jury heard that 24 hours before the stabbing, a phone belonging to Mr Gavin was used to search for "prison sentence for murder in Ireland" and was also used to engage with a woman on the dating app Tinder just 20 minutes before the stabbing. Addressing the jury, Mr Kennedy pointed to Brandon Gavin's Google search history, where he had searched for 'prison sentence murder Ireland', which counsel submitted gave a picture of the accused's thinking and his intent.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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