Facebook messages indicate guilt, says prosecutor

The jury in the trial of a Waterford man charged with the 2012 murder of Martin Brophy has been told that if they are satisfied the accused assaulted Mr Brophy in the manner described in Facebook messages, then it is clear the accused is guilty of murder.

William Moran, aged 20, of Connolly Place, Waterford City is charged with murdering Brophy, 22, at the old Waterford Institute of Technology building between May 19 and May 21, 2012. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In his closing speech, Michael Delaney, prosecuting, reminded the jury Mr Moran admitted to his presence at the scene.

“He [Mr Moran] admits his presence at the scene kicking Martin Brophy 10 times,” said Mr Delaney.

“You have evidence a number of days after of trying to conceal evidence and of William Moran having swollen knuckles to the right hand.

“To deal with the Facebook evidence, on May 20, 2012, there are messages that if sent by him constitute clear admissions to murder — the question is did he send them.

“These messages were sent on the Sunday — it was another 24 hours before Martin Brophy’s body was found.”

In his closing speech, Colman Cody, defending, said:

“There is technological evidence in the case of the Facebook records and what is purported to have taken place between the account of William Moran and other people. Facebook as a medium of information is vulnerable and insecure.

“If you are on Facebook, can you say if you receive a communication from someone that it is in fact coming from them? There is no question that people can access accounts in a number of ways.”