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Assault victim denies making up story about being racially abused

Summary

The trial of Mark Lee, Anthony Delappe, and Connor Rafferty continues before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury. The three men are accused of the murder of Josip Strok, who died on April 3, 2024, from blunt force injuries sustained in an alleged assault on March 30, 2024, at Grangeview Way in Clondalkin. Lee and Delappe have pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, while Rafferty has pleaded not guilty to murder. All three have pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to witness David Druzinec. During cross-examination, Druzinec denied fabricating a story about racial abuse on a bus, stating he was in shock and told gardai what he remembered. Defense counsel suggested he invented the account to ensure someone was held responsible for his friend's death. The prosecution alleges the accused assaulted the two Croatian men after being told they had attacked a 17-year-old boy at a nearby bus stop. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentencing recorded at this procedural stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Assault victim denies making up story about being racially abused. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Josip Strok at Grangeview Way in Clondalkin on April 3, 2024; Mr Strok's murder; assault causing harm to Mr Druzinec, at the same location. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 3, 2024 Incident
• March 30, 2024 Incident
• 2025-10-16 Publication

Why: Photo: Collins) A man who was assaulted during an attack in which his friend was beaten to death has denied that he made up a story about being racially abused because he "wanted someone to pay" for what happened. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report