Courts / Kerry / Report
Murder accused told gardai he was 'jabbing back', trial hears
Summary
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, Patrick Murphy, 52, admitted to Gardaí that he had a knife and had stabbed Joseph Brosnan, a lifelong friend, during a fight. Murphy claimed he was "jabbing back" and did not intend to harm Brosnan. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Garda James Fairbrother testified that Murphy first denied seeing a weapon, later stating he had been assaulted and then took a knife to defend himself. Murphy also admitted drinking Baileys and taking anxiety tablets before the scuffles. Witnesses described a chaotic scene at Brosnan's home, with a large kitchen knife used in a rapid attack. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Burns, continues the following day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he was 'jabbing back', trial hears. Charges or matters: murder, but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Brosnan, at Abbey Court, Tralee, on May 22, 2022. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 22, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-11-18 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder, but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Brosnan, at Abbey Court, Tralee, on May 22, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Fraud accused Denise O'Brien appears before court after bench warrant
- Almost 200 witnesses involved in Mike Gaine murder case as trial date set
- Murderer's claim that conviction was unsafe after 'extremely brief' jury deliberations is rejected
- One of six family members convicted of Tralee cemetery murder fails in bid to overturn conviction
- 'Honour killing' convict was misidentified at trial, lawyers claim
- Three jailed for 'honour killing' at Kerry funeral appeal convictions
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request