Jury unable to agree verdict in home defence murder trial

A jury has failed to reach a verdict in the murder trial of a 20-year-old man who said he acted in self-defence and was protecting his home when a drunk fisherman suffered a fatal stab wound after entering as a trespasser.

Dean Kerrie, of St Brigid’s Square, Portarlington, Co Laois, pleaded not guilty to murdering Jack Power (25) at Shanakiel, Dunmore East, Co Waterford on July 26th, 2018. The accused had asked for a complete acquittal.

Mr Kerrie said the deceased smashed the front window of his home, kicked in the door and attacked his family. He said Mr Power received a fatal wound to the chest when he “lost his footing and fell onto the knife”.

“I asked him to leave my house and to stop what he was doing. He started to kick me and I tried to move out of the way. I was trying to get out of his way, he ended up stabbed,” said Mr Kerrie, who was 17 at the time of the incident.

The prosecution’s case was that Mr Kerrie was not acting in self-defence, knew he was using excessive force when he “deliberately” stabbed Mr Power and that there was nothing accidental about the incident.

However, after almost seven hours of deliberations the jury returned on Thursday saying they had been unable to reach a unanimous or majority verdict.

Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said the jury had written disagreement next to the count on the issue paper and thanked them for their service. “I know this was a very difficult case and thank you for the time you gave to it,” she said. The judge exempted the panel from jury service for 10 years.

She remanded Mr Kerrie on continuing bail on the same terms and conditions until the next list of fixed dates is heard at the court on March 3rd. Mr Kerrie made no reaction when the outcome was announced following a two-week trial.