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Convicted rapist's 'lawful excuse' proposition is 'nonsense', State tells threats trial
Summary
In a trial in Dublin, 50‑year‑old Michael Murray, a convicted rapist, faces five charges: threatening to kill two barristers who prosecuted him for rape, and harassing his victim and former defence solicitor by advertising her as a prostitute online. He pleaded not guilty but admitted owning the phone used for the calls and ads. The prosecution argued that Murray's claim of a "lawful excuse" for the threats was baseless, stating he intended to damage the barristers' privacy and cause distress. The defence, led by Barry White SC, highlighted that Murray had exhausted appeals and that the phone data could be unreliable, noting that the device's logs were set to a default date. The case continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Convicted rapist's 'lawful excuse' proposition is 'nonsense', State tells threats trial. Charges or matters: making a threat to kill to Dominic McGinn SC on November 16, 2014, and to Tony McGillicuddy BL on Feb 9, 2015 – the two barristers who prosecuted him in 2013 for rape; those five charges but has admitted possessing the phone used to make the calls and place the ads. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- November 16, 2014 Other
- February 2015 Incident
- November 16 Other
- January 1, 2012 Other
- 2021-07-01 Publication
Why: "It is simply inaccurate to suggest we are simply pawns in a chess game that Mr Murray is playing because we are simply not. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: making a threat to kill to Dominic McGinn SC on November 16, 2014, and to Tony McGillicuddy BL on Feb 9, 2015 – the two barristers who prosecuted him in 2013 for rape; those five charges but has admitted possessing the phone used to make the calls and place the ads (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; The State was successful in having his sentence increased.
Places mentioned
- Seafield Road
- Dublin
Topics
Harassment Stalking Sexual Offences Stage Sentence
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