A Dublin teenager has gone on trial accused of murdering a young man during what was described in court today as a ‘melee’ over a bicycle.
The boy, who can’t be named because he’s under 18, admits causing the death of Azzam Raguragui but denies the murder charge.
Opening his case today, prosecuting barrister, James Dwyer SC, said it would be alleged that Azzam Raguragui died following a confrontation between two groups at Finsbury Park in south Dublin on May 10th last year.
He claimed the initial confrontation began over a suggestion that a bike had been taken from a friend of Mr. Raguragui’s.
Mr. Dwyer said it would be alleged that threats were made, and a violent melee later erupted when the accused, and his associates, returned to the park.
He claimed the accused had armed himself with a knife, which he used to stab Mr. Raguragui with after he slipped and fell while running up a hill.
The accused claims he was acting in self-defence, and has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but NOT guilty to murder.
