Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury reject cocaine-shovelling gunman's mental disorder claim, convict him of murder

Date
2025-12-08

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A jury has unanimously convicted Christopher Devine of murder, rejecting his claim that he suffered from a substance-induced psychotic disorder due to heavy cocaine and alcohol use. Devine, who shot Michael Tormey five times in the victim's front garden, argued that his mental state diminished his capacity to control his actions. However, the court accepted the prosecution's argument that Devine acted deliberately. The trial revealed that Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The jury rejected the defense's claim that he was too intoxicated to form an intention to kill. The judge, Ms Justice Melanie Greally, adjourned the case until December 19, when Devine will face a mandatory life sentence. The Tormey family will be invited to make statements on that date. Devine had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial heard conflicting expert opinions on whether Devine met the criteria for diminished responsibility or cocaine intoxication. The jury deliberated for over four hours and found Devine guilty of murder.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury reject cocaine-shovelling gunman's mental disorder claim, convict him of murder. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 19 Adjournment
January 9, 2022 Other
January 9 Hearing Or Sentence
January 2022 Incident
January 8 Incident
January 13, 2022 Incident
2025-12-08 Publication

Why: The jury rejected father of six Christopher Devine's defence that he should be found guilty of manslaughter because he had a mental disorder which would have diminished his capacity to control himself. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Christopher Devine

Convicted Person

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

Plea: Not guilty

Outcome: Following today's verdict, Ms Justice Melanie Greally, who presided in the trial, adjourned the matter to December 19 when Devine faces the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.; Following today's verdict, Ms Justice Melanie Greally, who presided in the trial, adjourned the matter to December 19 when Devine faces the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.