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Murder trial jury must consider whether prisoner believed he was acting in self defence, judge charges
Summary
In a Mountjoy Prison murder trial, the jury must decide if David Dunne, 40, honestly believed he was acting in self‑defence when he fatally assaulted fellow inmate Robert O'Connor. Justice Mary Ellen Ring explained that to convict of murder, the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Dunne intended to kill or cause serious injury. If he believed he was defending himself but used more force than a reasonable person would, he would be guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Michael Delaney SC, presented CCTV showing O'Connor entering Dunne's cell, an officer witnessing Dunne stamp on O'Connor's head multiple times, and evidence suggesting coordination with other inmates. Dunne's defence, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argued the attack was a spontaneous reaction, not pre‑planned, and urged the jury to disregard alleged conspiratorial signals. The jury will deliberate tomorrow, with possible verdicts of guilty, not guilty, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder trial jury must consider whether prisoner believed he was acting in self defence, judge charges. Charges or matters: the murder of Robert O'Connor on the 29th of July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison, North Circular Road, Dublin 7. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- July 2022 Other
- 2024-11-27 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Robert O'Connor on the 29th of July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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