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'Terrible the way homeless are treated while illegal immigrants run amok': prosecution ask jury to consider if murder accused revealed motive

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions asked a jury to consider whether a statement made by accused Mark Lee to Gardaí—claiming it was "terrible the way the homeless are treated" while illegal immigrants "run amok"—constituted a motive or justification for the attack on Croatian national Josip Strok. The prosecution alleged that Lee, Anthony Delappe and Connor Rafferty jointly assaulted Strok on 3 April 2024, using a pickaxe handle, a crutch and kicks, causing fatal blunt‑force injuries. Lee and Delappe pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; Rafferty pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to assault. Defence counsel argued that the evidence did not prove intent to cause serious injury and urged a manslaughter verdict for each accused. The case remains at the jury stage, with the prosecution's closing speech pending.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Terrible the way homeless are treated while illegal immigrants run amok': prosecution ask jury to consider if murder accused revealed motive. 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 David Druzinec (29) at the same location. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 3, 2024 Incident
• March 30, 2024 Incident
• 2025-10-23 Publication

Why: Photo: Collins) The State has asked a jury to consider whether a murder accused's statement to gardai that it is "terrible the way the homeless are treated" while illegal immigrants "run amok" was his "justification" or motive for an attack on a Croatian man. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report