Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman (50) used excessive force in self defence stabbing of partner

Date
2025-02-04

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 50-year-old woman, November Phelan, was remanded in custody until March 3, when she will be sentenced, following a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court. Phelan pleaded guilty to manslaughter when she was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, admitting to the charge of manslaughter when she fatally stabbed her partner, David Ennis (36), in a Dublin apartment. The court heard that Phelan used excessive force in self-defence, claiming she was in 'total fear' and did not intend to kill him. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 8, 2022, at Claddagh Court in Ballyfermot. The court was informed that Phelan and Ennis had been in a relationship for two to three years, during which drugs were a significant factor. The deceased had a history of drug use and had suffered a fall from a balcony a few days before the incident. CCTV footage showed Ennis arriving at Claddagh Court at 11.30pm on November 7, and Phelan arriving around 1.20am on the morning of November 8. The court heard that Phelan had a history of 26 previous convictions, mostly for public order offences and non-appearance before court. The matter was adjourned and will be finalised on March 3, when the sentence will be determined.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman (50) used excessive force in self defence stabbing of partner. Charges or matters: manslaughter when she was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 8, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
November 7 Hearing Or Sentence
November 8 Hearing Or Sentence
March 3 Adjournment
2025-02-04 Publication

Why: The detective agreed with counsel that Mr Higgins wanted the pair out of his life because they always wanted money from him. CNI source report

Case subjects

November Phelan

Defendant

Charges: manslaughter when she was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Mr Justice Paul Burns remanded Phelan in custody until March 3, when she will be sentenced.; Mr Justice Paul Burns remanded Phelan in custody until March 3, when she will be sentenced.