Courts / Dublin / Report

Accused could have been provoked by 'cold-blooded and deliberate' assassination, defence submit

Summary

The Special Criminal Court heard an application by counsel for Michael Andrecut (23) to argue provocation as a partial defence to the murder charge against him. Andrecut, along with Noah Musueni (18) and David Amah (18), is on trial accused of murdering Tristan Sherry. The defence submitted that Andrecut suffered a total loss of control after Sherry allegedly shot Jason Hennessy Snr, described by Andrecut as a father figure, during a Christmas Eve party at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown. Counsel argued that the alleged "cold-blooded" assassination provoked Andrecut into the violent actions attributed to him, potentially reducing the charge to manslaughter. The court has heard that Sherry was disarmed and beaten to death following the shooting. Andrecut, Musueni, and Amah deny the murder charges. Counsel for the other two accused indicated they will make similar applications when the trial continues. Separately, Jonas Kabangu (18), Diarmuid O'Brien (18), and Brandon Hennessy (21), the son of the deceased, are on trial accused of violent disorder at the same location and date. All three deny these charges. The matter is currently at the trial stage before a three-judge, non-jury court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Accused could have been provoked by 'cold-blooded and deliberate' assassination, defence submit. Charges or matters: murder; violent disorder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 24 Hearing Or Sentence
• Christmas Eve Other
• Christmas Other
• 2024-12-05 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report