A 37-year-old man admitted that he stabbed another man near his home in Tallaght last year but said he did so in defence of his family and property, the Central Criminal Court has heard.
Patrick Murphy, of Drumcairn Parade has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jordan Ronan at Drumcairn Avenue in the early hours of 26 July 2024.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Jordan Ronan, aged 20, was out in the early hours of 26 July last year and met up with two friends, one of whom told him he could stay in his home as he was intoxicated.
On the way there, he lagged behind and his friend went ahead and waited for him in his house.
The court was told that Jordan Ronan was subsequently seen by a man living on Drumcairn Avenue, running past his house and looking over his shoulder, before running into a lamp post and collapsing outside.
The man and his partner ran out to help and when the paramedics arrived, they discovered Jordan had been stabbed in the chest.
He was taken to hospital and died at 4.40am that morning.
Patrick Murphy's Revolut card was found on his body.
Gardaí commenced an investigation and subsequently arrested Mr Murphy on suspicion of murder.
Mr Murphy who lived on Drumcairn Parade with his partner and children admitted that he had stabbed Jordan Ronan, saying he did so to protect his family or property.
Defence Counsel Ronan Kennedy told the court that Mr Murphy also accepted that the Revolut card that Mr Ronan had belonged to him, and had been taken from his van, which was parked in his driveway.
Prosecuting Counsel Patricia McLaughlin said the issue is Mr Murphy’s intention when he stabbed Mr Ronan, not the manner of Mr Ronan's death.
The trial continues before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo and a jury of five women and seven men.
