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Murder accused told gardai that partner "punched and kicked" him

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 70‑year‑old Desmond Duffy pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner Des Sullivan, aged 59, who died at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines, on 23 May 2016. Garda Mark Twomey reported that Duffy told him the couple had drunk about five pints in a local pub before an argument. When they returned home, Duffy said Sullivan punched, kicked and pulled his hair, and that Duffy tried to restrain him by placing his hands on Sullivan's neck, causing Sullivan to fall. Duffy claimed he was injured, noting a cut on his finger and blood on his sleeve. Duffy had no prior convictions and had previously stayed in hotels in Rathmines, as shown by his credit‑card records. The case is before Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai that partner "punched and kicked" him. Charges or matters: the murder of Des Sullivan (59) at the home they shared in Somerville Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6 on May 23, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• May 23, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2015 Incident
• April 2016 Incident
• 2018-11-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Pubs And Nightclubs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report