A drug addict who twice threatened to kill a social worker with whom he has a relationship has been jailed for seven years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Alan Murray, who was convicted of the manslaughter of a priest in 1981, formed a relationship with a drug rehabilitation volunteer, Ms Rachael Kennedy, after threatening to kill her and her husband. "I'll take you all out, slash you and kill you," Murray told Ms Kennedy when she asked him to leave her house shortly after they met.
He again threatened to kill her after being charged with making threats arising out of the first incident and being released on bail. Ms Kennedy gave evidence that her relationship with Murray has continued but said he needed help.
Murray (34), no fixed abode, but originally from Moatfield Drive, Coolock, pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening Ms Kennedy with intent at Swords Street, Dublin, some time between July 4th-5th, 1998, and on April 29th, 1999.
Murray was charged with threatening Ms Kennedy and released on bail. Ms Kennedy split up with her husband and began living with Murray. He again threatened Ms Kennedy in April 1999 and she called the gardai.
Inspector Chris Kelly told prosecution counsel Mr Fergal Foley BL that Murray had been effectively homeless since the age of 13. He was convicted in 1981 in the Central Criminal Court of killing a priest in the presbytery of a church in Phibsboro.
Judge Elizabeth Dunne read from a psychiatric report which said Murray had paranoid tendencies and could be a danger to Rachael and Paul Kennedy if released.
She set a review date for November 14th, 2000.