Courts / Dublin / Report

Brothers who murdered dad of six lose appeal against conviction

Summary

In February 2011, Warren (40) and Jeffrey Dumbrell (34) were sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering 33‑year‑old Christopher Cawley outside his flat on 29 October 2006. The conviction was the second time a Central Criminal Court jury found them guilty after the original conviction was quashed in July 2010. The brothers had pleaded not guilty, and during the trial one of them reportedly told the victim's daughter, "Your Daddy's gone now." In 2014, the Court of Criminal Appeal rejected their appeal. The appeal argued that the judge had failed to properly direct the jury on internet research, the victim's violent history, and joint enterprise. The court held that the judge's directions were clear, the evidence of prior convictions was admissible, and the charge on joint enterprise was adequate. The appeal was dismissed, leaving the life sentences in place.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brothers who murdered dad of six lose appeal against conviction. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• February 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 29th, 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2014-07-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report