A manslaughter trial in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard a drug addict seriously ill with HIV was kicked and punched to death by a large group of anti-drugs vigilantes. Four Dublin men are accused of killing Josie Dwyer, a chronic drug abuser, three years ago.
The four accused are Hugh Byrne and Mark Cooke - both with addresses at Dolphin House, Rialto - William Kenny, St. Anthony's Road, Rialto and John Fitzpatrick of Fatima Mansions. The four deny charges of manslaughter, assault and violent disorder in the Basin Street area of Dublin's South inner city in May 1996.
Opening the prosecution case before a jury of nine men and three women, Mr George Birmingham SC for the prosecution said one of the accused, Hugh Byrne was co-chairman of a meeting of anti-drugs activists in Dolphin's Barn Community Centre on the night of the killing.
