Jonathan Dunne's murder appeal sees causation challenge dismissed

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Jonathan Dunne’s murder conviction was challenged before the Court of Criminal Appeal, which dismissed his causation ground. The judgment was reported on 31 July 2014.

Dunne had pleaded guilty to attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm after shooting Ian Kenny on 4 July 2007. In May 2008, the Central Criminal Court imposed 12 years for attempted murder and 10 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Kenny remained in a permanent vegetative state for two years before dying on 31 July 2009. Dunne argued that lawful decisions about medical treatment broke the chain of causation, while the court held that the shooting contributed to the death in more than a minimal way.

Dunne also argued that duress should be available because he claimed threats had been made against him and his family. Justice O'Donnell held that duress was not available as a defence to murder.