Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury must be sure three accused intended to cause serious injury for murder verdict, judge says

Summary

In a Dublin murder trial, Justice Mary Ellen Ring instructed a jury that to secure murder convictions against Mark Lee (44), Anthony Delappe (19) and Connor Rafferty (21), the jury must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that each intended to cause serious injury to Josip Strok (31). The judge explained that mere presence at the scene is insufficient; the accused must have acted concretely in the killing and intended serious harm. If intent is not proven, the jury may consider manslaughter, where the accused caused death with intent to cause more than trivial harm. The prosecution alleges the trio assaulted Strok and his friend David Druzinec (29) on Grangeview Way, Clondalkin, on 3 April 2024, with Strok dying four days later from blunt‑force injuries. All three pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter and assault. The judge will give a final charge tomorrow before deliberations begin.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury must be sure three accused intended to cause serious injury for murder verdict, judge says. 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 Strok's friend, David Druzinec (29), at the same location. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• April 3, 2024 Incident
• March 30, 2024 Incident
• 2025-10-28 Publication

Why: The judge told the jury the prosecution case is that "it doesn't matter" whether a particular accused punched, kicked or struck the victim with a weapon because the allegation is that "they were acting in concert when they assaulted him and therefore each is responsible for the murder of Mr Strok. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report