Courts / Ireland / Report

Comments about 'illegal immigrants' must not prejudice jury, barrister warns

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, barrister Michael Bowman SC warned a jury that comments made by murder accused Mark Lee (44) about "illegal immigrants" and "invaders" to gardai should not prejudice their verdict. Bowman said Lee's remarks, though "objectionable and unsavoury", must not influence the jury's assessment of the evidence. He noted that the prosecution had alleged Lee and co‑accused Anthony Delappe and Connor Rafferty had known the deceased, Josip Strok, was a foreigner, yet there was no evidence Lee or the others had spoken about foreigners before the assault. Bowman challenged the prosecution's claim that the nature of the assault proved intent to cause serious injury, pointing out that Strok's fatal skull fracture was likely caused by a fall. He urged the jury to consider Lee's guilty plea to manslaughter and to avoid prejudice based on his views, concluding that a manslaughter verdict was appropriate. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring will charge the jury next Tuesday. Mark Lee pleaded not guilty. Connor Rafferty pleaded not guilty. Anthony Delappe pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Comments about 'illegal immigrants' must not prejudice jury, barrister warns. 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
• 2025-10-24 Publication

Why: While Mr Bowman described Mr Lee's comments as "objectionable and unsavoury", he warned the jury against prejudice that might lead them to think that because he holds certain views, he is more likely to commit this kind of offence. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report