Killing of Dublin man 'motivated by revenge'

THE FATAL stabbing of a Google executive in Dublin last year was a ferocious unprovoked murder, not an accident or self defence…

THE FATAL stabbing of a Google executive in Dublin last year was a ferocious unprovoked murder, not an accident or self defence, a jury at the Central Criminal Court has been told.

The killing was motivated by anger and revenge, Isobel Kennedy SC, prosecuting, said in her closing speech at the trial of Dane Pearse (22), Londonbridge Drive, Irishtown, Dublin.

Mr Pearse has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dalkey man Mark Spellman (26) on Londonbridge Road, on August 4th, 2007.

"This attack was motivated by anger and revenge. There's sufficient evidence for you to be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that it was murder," Ms Kennedy told the jury.

READ MORE

The court had heard that Mr Spellman was walking home from a work night out when he became involved in an altercation with the accused. This ended and there was testimony that they shook hands.

Mr Spellman and his friends continued walking and Mr Pearse turned down Londonbridge Drive and went home.

However Mr Pearse came back with a souvenir baton and ornamental knife and ran after the three men. Mr Spellman was fatally wounded.

Mr Pearse told gardaí it was an accident. "This man launched a ferocious, unnecessary, unprovoked attack on Mr Spellman."

Ms Kennedy said it could not have been self defence because the three men were walking away and were no longer a threat.

Mr Pearse told gardaí that he was afraid that they knew where he lived and he wanted to scare them, but Ms Kennedy said his house could not be seen from Londonbridge Road.

"If one runs at a man, swinging a knife and bat, he is doing more than defending or scaring them. He is the aggressor," she said. "His motive was revenge, not defence. He was the attacker."