Courts / Kildare / Report

Jury in pub melee murder trial give majority verdict option

Summary

The jury in the trial of 24‑year‑old Calvin Dunne, charged with the murder of 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy outside the Bellyard pub in Monasterevin, has been informed that a majority verdict is now permissible. The case, heard at the Central Criminal Court, involves an incident on 22 August 2022 in which McCarthy was struck on the head by Dunne, who claims he was acting in self‑defence. Witnesses described a "loud thud" when McCarthy was hit, and the State alleges that Dunne delivered a punch and a "vicious kick" to the head. Dunne denies the murder charge and has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on 21 August 2022. Justice Caroline Burns explained that the jury can now return a ten‑to‑two majority verdict if unanimity cannot be achieved, and the deliberations will continue for a further 30 minutes before the next day's session. The jury remains at its fourth day of deliberation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury in pub melee murder trial give majority verdict option. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022; violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• August 22, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• August 21, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-02-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report