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Murder accused's previous conviction for manslaughter of sister can only be used if relevant, judge charges jury
Summary
Derek Boyd, 31, of Finglas, Dublin 11, and Chantelle Harcourt, 34, of Darndale, Dublin 17, are currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Boyd has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at his home on June 9, 2024, and to assaulting Megan Rock. Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the person who committed the murder. The jury, comprising seven men and five women, began deliberating on Monday afternoon and has spent five hours over two days in the jury room. On Monday evening, the foreman reported that the jury had not reached a verdict on any of the three counts. Ms Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the deliberations, instructing the jurors to return to court at 10.30am the following morning. In her charge, the judge warned the jury against using Boyd's previous conviction for the manslaughter of his sister to infer a propensity for violence, labeling such reasoning impermissible. She clarified that this prior conviction, for which Boyd was sentenced to five years with three suspended, may only be considered if relevant to the evidence, such as his state of mind or flight from the jurisdiction. The judge outlined the legal framework for self-defense under the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, emphasizing the requirement for proportionate force. The jury may return verdicts of guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty for Boyd, and guilty or not guilty for Harcourt.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused's previous conviction for manslaughter of sister can only be used if relevant, judge charges jury. Charges or matters: murdering Mark Carroll (34) at his home on June 9, 2024. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 9, 2024 Incident
- 2026-07-21 Publication
Why: In her charge to the jury on Monday, Ms Justice Melanie Greally told the panel of seven men and five women that they must avoid reaching the conclusion that because of his previous conviction, the defendant has a "propensity to commit violence". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering Mark Carroll (34) at his home on June 9, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The jury has heard that Mr Boyd was serving the suspended portion of his sentence for the manslaughter of his sister when he fatally stabbed Mr Carroll. She said Mr Boyd was sentenced to five years in prison with three suspended and was serving the suspended portion when this incident with Mr Carroll occurred.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Scribblestown Place
- same date at Blanchardstown Garda Station
- Blanchardstown
Topics
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