Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder accused said he stood best man for friend he shot with machine gun, trial hears

Date
2025-12-02

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A father-of-six, Christopher Devine (44), has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Tormey (49) but guilty to the manslaughter of the deceased, who was shot five times in his front garden in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022. The trial heard that Mr Tormey suffered severe injuries, including rib fractures and partial lung collapse. The defence is expected to call a consultant psychiatrist who will testify that the accused was suffering from substance-induced psychotic disorder at the time. However, the prosecution argues that Mr Devine was not suffering from a mental disorder but was under the influence of cocaine. Detective Garda Janette O'Neill testified that she found two discharged cartridge cases in the car used by the accused. Detective Sergeant Mark Collander stated that a Heckler & Koch submachine gun, a rare firearm in Ireland, was used in the shooting. Mr Devine told gardai that he was best man at Mr Tormey's wedding but now faces the tragic reality of having shot his friend.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused said he stood best man for friend he shot with machine gun, trial hears. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 9, 2022 Other
January 13, 2022 Incident
January 9 Incident
January 8 Other
2025-12-02 Publication

Case subjects

Christopher Devine

Accused

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty