Courts / Ireland / Report
"Legal ambush": Boy's defence team sought manslaughter option after jury sent out
2019-06-18
Trial
Summary
During the trial of Boy A for Ana Kriegel's murder, his defence counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, applied to the judge to allow the jury to consider a manslaughter verdict after deliberations had begun. The prosecution described the move as a "legal ambush" and argued it was raised too late and without engaging the facts. Judge Paul McDermott dismissed the application, calling it "artificial" and "unrealistic." He noted that Boy A had consistently denied being in the house and claimed he last saw Ana in the park. Evidence from the State Pathologist and forensic scientist showed Ana was violently assaulted and that blood spatter on Boy A's shoes indicated he either assaulted her or was close to her when she was assaulted. The judge emphasized that the defence had not addressed the scientific evidence or the prosecution's claim that the extent of Ana's injuries proved intent to kill.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Legal ambush": Boy's defence team sought manslaughter option after jury sent out. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2019-06-18 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Topics
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