Chaos erupted in a Dublin courtroom after a father-of-four was cleared of murder but convicted of the manslaughter of a 20-year-old man who died after stealing from a van.
Verdict Sparks Angry Outburst
Patrick Murphy, 35, of Drumcairn Parade, Tallaght, was found not guilty of murdering Jordan Ronan but guilty of his manslaughter. The verdict, delivered on 17 December 2025, prompted an immediate and furious reaction from the victim's family in the public gallery.
One man was heard shouting "smelly b*****d" at Murphy, before yelling: "A 20-year-old boy... he was half your age." The presiding judge, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, was forced to apologise to the jury for the disruption.
The Fatal Night in July 2024
The court heard that the incident occurred in the early hours of 26 July 2024. Murphy admitted stabbing Ronan but claimed he was acting in defence of his family and property after discovering an intruder.
Prosecutor Patricia McLaughlin SC told the jury that Ronan suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest. In the hours before his death, Ronan had been with friends. Friend Rhys Murphy said they were "chilling and smoking weed" in a car until about 3.15am. Another friend, John Green, said Ronan kept entering gardens and approaching cars as they walked, prompting Green to "roar at him" to follow.
Discovery and Aftermath
Neighbour David Conlon witnessed the immediate aftermath from his window on Drumcairn Avenue. He described hearing a "loud roar" and seeing a man run, look behind him, hit a pole, and fall. Conlon and his wife Madeline found Ronan motionless, with his eyes wide open. Madeline called 999 while David attempted CPR.
Firefighter Alexander Hudson later found two pairs of pliers and cards concealed on Ronan's body when cutting his clothing to administer aid. He noted a one-to-two-centimetre chest wound.
The Legal Arguments and Path to Sentencing
In his defence, Ronan Kennedy SC argued Murphy was "not a murderer" but a man whose family's "peace and security" was violated in their own home. He stated the interaction lasted "no more than seconds" and was driven by "sheer panic in the heat of the moment."
Judge Naidoo had earlier instructed the jury to consider if the force used was "justifiable." The manslaughter verdict was reached on the basis that Murphy may have honestly believed his actions were justified, but a reasonable person would deem the use of a knife excessive.
Patrick Murphy has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 26 January 2026. The judge confirmed that members of Jordan Ronan's family will be invited to make victim impact statements before sentencing.
