Courts / Dublin / Report
Man who stabbed his "lifelong friend" cleared of murder
Summary
A Central Criminal Court jury found 51‑year‑old Paul Keating not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after he stabbed his lifelong friend, 47‑year‑old Mark Richardson, in the chest during a fight over a beer can. The single stab wound severed Richardson's main pulmonary artery, causing heavy bleeding. Keating, who lived on Harmonstown Road, had pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to manslaughter on 16 March 2017. He died an hour after the stabbing. The jury, composed of six men and six women, deliberated for 3 hours 28 minutes over two days and reached a unanimous verdict. The court adjourned sentencing to 14 December, remanded Keating in custody, and exempted the jury from service for five years. The trial included testimony from Richardson's partner, children, and forensic experts who confirmed the knife's DNA match to Richardson. The case highlighted the sudden escalation of a drinking dispute into a fatal act.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who stabbed his "lifelong friend" cleared of murder. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Richardson on March 16, 2017. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 16, 2017 Other
- December 14 Adjournment
- March 17 Incident
- March 15 Hearing Or Sentence
- new year Other
- 2018-10-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Richardson on March 16, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The court adjourned sentencing until December 14 and Mr Justice Eagar remanded Keating in custody until that date when a victim impact statement will be before the court. "It is likely I will reserve my judgement into the new year," said Mr Justice Eagar.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Harmonstown Road
- Dublin
- Harmonstown Road
- two occasions in Clontarf Garda station
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.