Martin Keenan acquitted of murder in Dublin

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

Martin Keenan was found not guilty of murder by a majority verdict at the Central Criminal Court. The proceedings were reported on 14 March 2018.

Keenan had pleaded not guilty to murdering Wesley Mooney. The charge concerned Mooney’s death at St Joseph’s Park halting site, Dunsink Lane, north Dublin, on 5 June 2016.

The court heard that Keenan and his wife returned home to find two strangers in their bedroom. Keenan said he was frightened, that the man attacked him and that he picked up a tool and hit him twice.

Mooney’s girlfriend, Ciara Tynan, testified that a man had invited them to the mobile home for a drink. She said they went into the bedroom because it was the only room with a light on, and that Keenan struck Mooney as they were leaving. She admitted handling items and opening cupboards in the living room.

Mooney was unarmed and suffered two stab wounds from half a garden shears. Keenan initially fled and disposed of the weapon, but returned and told gardaí where to find it.

Prosecuting counsel Garnet Orange SC said Mooney had not been attacking anyone and that Keenan had contrived his account. He argued that the force was unreasonable and the weapon’s use unjustified.

Mr Justice Paul Butler discharged Keenan after the majority verdict. Keenan had been on bail throughout the trial.