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Sunset house killer appeals murder conviction

Summary

Christopher Slator, aged 40, was convicted of the 2016 murder of Michael Barr at Dublin's Sunset House pub and is appealing that conviction. He argues that DNA evidence from a mask and runners found in the car used by the murderers should not have been admitted because the items were not fully examined and the defence was disadvantaged. Slator's counsel claims the DNA was taken from the tongue of a shoe and from a contaminated mask, and that further swabs could have been taken. The prosecution maintains that a DNA profile matching Slator was found on the shoes and mask, giving the evidence significant probative value. The appeal is heard at the Court of Appeal, where the defence seeks to exclude the DNA evidence and challenge the weight given to it by the Special Criminal Court. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no new outcome announced. Christopher Slator pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sunset house killer appeals murder conviction. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Barr at the Sunset House pub on Summerhill Parade in Dublin 1 on April 25, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• July 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 25, 2016 Incident
• 2025-04-01 Publication

Why: At the Court of Appeal today, Michael Bowman SC, for Slator, argued the court should not have admitted the DNA evidence from the mask and the runners in circumstances where the defence was disadvantaged because of the incomplete examination of the items. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report