Courts / Kildare / Report
Alcoholic who said he stabbed aunt's partner 15 times in self defence cleared of murder, found guilty of manslaughter
Summary
Ryan Kearney, aged 39, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after stabbing Jeffrey Jackson, aged 50, 15 times in what he claimed was self‑defence. The Central Criminal Court jury rejected the prosecution's case that Kearney intended to kill or cause serious injury, accepting the defence that he acted to protect himself from Jackson's alleged violence. The jury considered the force used and the partial defence of provocation, concluding that the killing was not murder. Kearney was described as an alcoholic but not violent. The judge remanded him in custody pending a sentencing hearing on 28 July. The case involved 16 knife wounds, with the pathologist noting Jackson was heavily intoxicated. The trial also heard testimony from Jackson's partner and family about his violent behaviour. The judge directed a psychologist and governor's report on Kearney.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alcoholic who said he stabbed aunt's partner 15 times in self defence cleared of murder, found guilty of manslaughter. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Jackson on February 10, he replied: "I stabbed Jeffrey but did not murder him, he was my friend. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 8, 2024 Other
- July 28 Adjournment
- February 10 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-07-04 Publication
Why: There were three pathways to the verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter because of absence of intent, the partial defence of self defence or the partial defence of provocation. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Mr Jackson on February 10, he replied: "I stabbed Jeffrey but did not murder him, he was my friend (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: A sentence hearing for Kearney will take place on July 28 and the judge remanded the defendant in custody until that date.; A sentence hearing for Kearney will take place on July 28 and the judge remanded the defendant in custody until that date.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- School Street
Topics
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