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Christmas Eve murder accused told gardai that 'Daddy J' was father figure to him

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of six men accused of offences arising from an incident at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on December 24. Michael Andrecut, Noah Musueni, and David Amah are charged with the murder of Tristan Sherry, while Jonas Kabangu, Diarmuid O'Brien, and Brandon Hennessy face charges of violent disorder. All accused have pleaded not guilty. Prosecution witness Detective Sergeant Mark Murphy detailed Andrecut's arrest and his statements to gardai, in which he described Jason Hennessy Senior, who was fatally shot during the incident, as a father figure. Andrecut told detectives he reacted out of a "fight or flight" instinct when he saw Hennessy Senior wounded. The court also heard that gardai attempted to use a special provision to draw inferences from Andrecut's failure to answer questions regarding a black metal bar, a wooden chair, and knives allegedly used in the assault. Andrecut's counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, is expected to argue tomorrow that these inference interviews should not be admitted into evidence. The matter is currently at the charge or pre-trial stage, with the trial overseen by Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, Judge Elma Sheahan, and Judge James Faughnan. No finalisation or sentencing has occurred, and the proceedings remain ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Christmas Eve murder accused told gardai that 'Daddy J' was father figure to him. Charges or matters: murder; violent disorder. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• December 24 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 29 Incident
• Christmas Eve Other
• 2024-11-18 Publication

Why: " During his first interview at the garda station, Mr Andrecut explained that his real father had not been around since he was eight years old. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report