Courts / Dublin / Report

Young man 'terrified' when he drove murder accused and alleged victim to isolated area, defence say

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Lorenzo Cantaragiu, 21, was defended by Michael Lynn SC who argued that Cantaragiu was terrified when he drove alleged murderers Viorel Doroscan (23) and Otniel Richardo Clejan (24) from west Dublin to an isolated area where the victim, Muhamud Ilyas, was later found dead. Lynn said Cantaragiu believed he was at risk, had been threatened by the co‑accused, and had no way to escape. He claimed Cantaragiu told Gardaí he was shaking, had been beaten before, and feared for his family. Cantaragiu faces four charges of impeding prosecution or apprehension, having pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges the two men fatally assaulted Ilyas after a dispute over a stolen cannabis bag on 9 December 2022. Ilyas died from blunt‑force head trauma. The case is set for jury deliberation tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Young man 'terrified' when he drove murder accused and alleged victim to isolated area, defence say. Charges or matters: all charges; Mr Ilyas's murder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 9, 2022 Incident
• 2025-05-06 Publication

Why: He said he was afraid of Mr Doroscan because Mr Doroscan had beaten him up in the past. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report