Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused who told gardai he wanted to kill victim 'stone dead' convicted after failing to convince jury of lack of intent

Summary

Robert Murphy, aged 42, was convicted of murder after a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of killing 24‑year‑old Jamie Kavanagh in a hostel on Harrington Street, Dublin, on 19 April 2023. Murphy entered Kavanagh's room wearing a balaclava and armed with a knife, telling Gardaí he wanted to kill the victim "stone dead". He claimed he had only entered to frighten Kavanagh, but the jury rejected this defence. The trial heard that Kavanagh was stabbed with multiple sharp‑object wounds, the fatal 13‑cm wound on his left flank caused by one of Kavanagh's own knives. Murphy was found guilty of murder and was remanded in custody pending sentencing. The case was adjourned to 16 December for victim impact statements and sentencing. Robert Murphy pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused who told gardai he wanted to kill victim 'stone dead' convicted after failing to convince jury of lack of intent. Charges or matters: the murder of 24-year-old Jamie Kavanagh at a hostel on Harrington Street, Dublin 8 on April 19, 2023; murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Kavanagh. Procedural stage: finding. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• April 19, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 19 Incident
• December 16 Adjournment
• 2024-11-14 Publication

Why: The jury, who also heard that Robert Murphy told gardai "I did him with his own weapons", rejected the defence case that he had only entered the deceased's room in order to "frighten", but not kill him. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Finding Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report