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Murder accused told gardai he was victim of domestic abuse

Summary

A 70‑year‑old man, Desmond Duffy, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his partner, Desmond Sullivan, 59, who died on 23 May 2016 at their home in Somerville Park, Rathmines. Duffy told Gardaí that he had been abused by Sullivan for many years, citing incidents of bleach, milk, a mug and a basket of sausages being thrown at him, and that Sullivan had become increasingly psychotic and paranoid. He described a night of drinking in a pub, after which Sullivan attacked him in the kitchen. Duffy tried to restrain Sullivan, who fell and stopped moving; Duffy called a relative, who later confirmed Sullivan was dead. Duffy said he did not call an ambulance because he was very drunk and did not think Sullivan was injured. The case is before the Central Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused told gardai he was victim of domestic abuse. Charges or matters: the murder of Desmond 'Dessie' 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
• May 24, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 23 Incident
• October 2013 Other
• 2018-11-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Domestic Abuse Pubs And Nightclubs Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report