Accused told gardaí: Anyone could provide alibi

A YOUNG man accused of murdering a retired barman told gardaí there was another person present in the house at the time of the tragedy.

But when detectives insisted the “other man” had an alibi, the accused said: “Sure anyone could provide an alibi.”

Paul Murphy, from 57 Kilmore Road, Knocknaheeny, Cork, is charged of murdering 62-year-old Donal Manley at his home 68 High Street, Cork, between October 10 and October 12, 2008.

The 25-year-old is also accused of assaulting Mr Manley and stealing property including a red jacket and a television.

Detective Sergeant Shane Bergin and Detective Garda Noel Maxwell questioned Murphy a number of times. The last of those interviews were yesterday put before the jury of nine women and three men.

The detectives said the man named as being present at the time of the incident told gardaí he had not talked to Murphy for 12 months following a row.

Murphy told gardaí that was a lie and claimed he and the man had settled their differences three weeks previously.

The detectives said another person they interviewed was present at a flat in Dominic Street when Murphy arrived on Friday October 10, 2008, wearing a red jacket and carrying a flat-screen television.

“She will also say that she heard you say that you murdered someone,” it was put to Murphy.

He replied: “I can’t remember that night, I told you that earlier as well.”

Detective Garda Andy O’Connell, on March 4, 2009, charged Murphy with murder and theft and he noted the replies made by the accused to each charge respectively: “I am charged with murder, I know I was not the only person there. I apologise sincerely for what happened” and “I apologise sincerely for stealing them”.

Murphy denies all charges against him and the trial continues, next Wednesday, before Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork.