Courts / Ireland / Report
Pensioner not guilty of murdering partner of 36 years
2018-11-20
Trial
Summary
Pensioner Desmond Duffy, aged 70, was found not guilty of murdering his partner Desmond 'Dessie' Sullivan, aged 59, after a nine‑day trial. The jury, after seven hours and eleven minutes, returned a verdict of not guilty at 4.46pm. Duffy claimed he acted in self‑defence after Sullivan, with whom he had been married for 36 years, attacked him in their kitchen. He described a history of domestic abuse and said he had tried to avoid the violence by staying in hotels or wandering the streets. The prosecution argued that Duffy had decided to end the abuse by squeezing Sullivan's neck, while the defence maintained that Duffy's actions were a reasonable response to an immediate threat. Judge Paul McDermott thanked the jury and discharged Duffy, who left the courtroom quietly, thanking the jury as they departed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pensioner not guilty of murdering partner of 36 years. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 23, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-11-20 Publication
Why: Neighbours heard raised voices with Katie Daffy, who knew both men, saying this occasion was different because Mr Duffy seemed to be arguing back. CNI source report
Topics
Domestic Abuse Stage Trial Violent Crime
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