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Murder accused was dressed in balaclava and armed with butter knife to 'frighten' victim, defence say
Summary
Robert Murphy, 42, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Jamie Kavanagh, 24, at a Dublin 8 hostel on 19 April 2023. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan argued that Murphy entered Kavanagh's room wearing a balaclava and armed only with a butter knife to frighten, not kill. They claimed Murphy admitted stabbing Kavanagh but that the fatal wound was caused by one of Kavanagh's own longer knives. Grehan highlighted that Murphy had no intention to kill, citing his statements about wanting to clean the hostel and that he would have used more lethal weapons if he had intended to kill. The prosecution, led by Paul Greene, countered that Murphy's admissions to Gardaí and the removal of blood‑stained clothing indicated intent to kill. The trial is ongoing before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of twelve.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused was dressed in balaclava and armed with butter knife to 'frighten' victim, defence say. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Jamie Kavanagh (24) at a hostel on Harrington Street, Dublin 8 on April 19, 2023. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 19, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-11-13 Publication
Why: A murder accused who stabbed a fellow hostel resident to death entered his room dressed in a balaclava and armed with a butter knife in order to "frighten" but not to kill him, his defence lawyer has said. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Jamie Kavanagh (24) at a hostel on Harrington Street, Dublin 8 on April 19, 2023 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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