Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for 'vile' threats sent to key witness in manslaughter trial

Summary

Karl Murphy, 40, of Blanchardstown, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for witness intimidation. He pleaded guilty to intimidating Lyndsey Doyle on September 1, 2023, by sending threatening voice notes. Judge Orla Crowe described the messages as vile and menacing, noting Doyle's vulnerability as the principal witness in the trial of Keith Smithers and Peter White for the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan in Finglas. Murphy, who has 66 previous convictions and is currently serving a burglary sentence, received an 18-month jail term with the final six months suspended. His then-partner, Sinead White, 39, also pleaded guilty to witness intimidation and was jailed for 21 months in November 2024 by Judge Martin Nolan. In the underlying trial, Smithers, 41, pleaded not guilty but was convicted of both charges and sentenced to nine years last June. Peter White, 40, also pleaded not guilty; he was acquitted of the unlawful killing but convicted of robbery and jailed for four and a half years. The court acknowledged Murphy's remorse and progress in custody, including reduced methadone intake, while emphasizing the seriousness of interfering with justice.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for 'vile' threats sent to key witness in manslaughter trial. Charges or matters: witness intimidation of Lyndsey Doyle on September 1, 2023; the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan on January 13, 2023 at Collins Place in Finglas; witness intimidation on September 1, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted

When:

• September 1, 2023 Incident
• January 13, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2024 Incident
• 2026-01-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report