Courts / Offaly / Report

Murder accused received text allegation, trial hears

Summary

The trial of Sean Davy, James Davy, and Matthew Cummins for the alleged murder of 64-year-old Thomas "Toddy" Dooley continues before Justice Margaret Heneghan. All three accused have pleaded not guilty to killing Mr. Dooley at his home in Edenderry, Co Offaly, on February 12, 2014. The jury heard that during an interview, Matthew Cummins stated that Sean Davy claimed the deceased had raped his cousin. Evidence presented included a text message allegedly received by James Davy from Chloe McBride, identified as the deceased's granddaughter, which read: "Toddy a rapist. I never going there again." Prosecutors suggested this indicated a pre-planned motive. However, Detective Garda Joe Hughes agreed with defense counsel that Mr. Dooley had never come to the attention of gardai and that there were no concerning rumors regarding him. Cummins testified that he believed the group was entering the house to drink and was unaware of any plan to attack. He stated he was too afraid to call an ambulance or alert police immediately after the incident. The court noted that the matter was adjourned and the trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused received text allegation, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering 64-year-old Thomas "Toddy" Dooley. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 12, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 10 2014 Incident
• February 2014 Other
• 2016-07-25 Publication

Why: " Gardai said this suggested a motive for the attack and that it was pre-planned. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report