Man stabbed in back in driveway, court told

A jury in the Central Criminal Court has heard that a 41-year-old man was stabbed to death in his front drive in Ballyfermot in Dublin by a youth who had broken into his car.

Darren Rogers (aged 21) of Cherry Orchard Avenue, Ballyfermot, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thomas Farrell, also of Cherry Orchard Avenue, on November 27, 2003.

Opening the case for the prosecution, Mr Anthony Sammon SC told the court the accused had forced his way into the deceased’s car, along with another youth. By the time Mr Farrell was alerted to this, Mr Rogers was in the driver seat and the ignition area of the car had been removed.

After approaching the culprits, Mr Farrell was stabbed in the back. This stabbing, said Mr Sammon, damaged his heart.

Mr Farrell was taken to St James’ Hospital in Dublin, and despite undergoing surgery died of cardiac arrest.

This morning, Mr Sammon asked the jury of seven men and five women not to be influenced by prejudice and not to be overcome with emotion as they hear the case.

The trial continues before Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne and is expected to last about two weeks.