Courts / Offaly / Report

Potential attempt to set fire at armchair where deceased found, murder trial hears

Summary

During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, a Garda witness testified that a fire may have been set at the armchair where 64‑year‑old Thomas 'Toddy' Dooley was found dead in his Edenderry home on 16 February 2014. The body, covered with a cushion, was in a sitting position in the armchair, which was burned in three places. Seven footwear marks were found on the floor, and no implement was recovered. The fire caused burns to Dooley's head, upper body, and both legs of his nylon tracksuit. The prosecution also presented witnesses who described the presence of a baseball bat in the scene, but no weapon was found. The case involves three men—Matthew Cummins (22), Sean Davy (21), and James Davy (25)—who are charged with murder and have pleaded not guilty. The trial is set to continue tomorrow before Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Potential attempt to set fire at armchair where deceased found, murder trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Thomas Dooley. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 16, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 12, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 17, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 17 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 11, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 11 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 12 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 20 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-07-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report