Student tells of stabbing in which his friend died

A German student, who survived a stabbing in which his friend died, has given evidence at the resulting murder trial.

Robert Rinker and his countryman Thomas Heinrich were stabbed on St Anthony’s Rd, Rialto, Dublin, on December 1, 2012. Mr Rinker survived, but Mr Heinrich, aged 22, died.

Wesley Kelly, aged 20, of St Anthony’s Rd, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Heinrich and to assault causing harm to Mr Rinker. A 17-year-old, who cannot be named, also denies both charges.

Mr Rinker told the Central Criminal Court they went to Mr Heinrich’s apartment around 4am on December 1, following a night out. He said there were two people outside. “I saw the two guys and the taller one had a knife.”

Mr Rinker said he got two knives and went downstairs to scare them. He said he opened the door, they shouted at each other, and he went back inside. But the two boys followed. A fight then ensued, after which both he and Mr Heinrich were taken to hospital.

The trial continues.