Convicted Murderer Stabbed 'Family Man' 71 Times in Alleged Dog Theft

Direece Roche, 30, Denies the Murder of Fintan McDwyer

In a shocking case, prosecutors allege that Direece Roche, a 30-year-old convicted murderer, stabbed 64-year-old Fintan McDwyer 71 times. Roche reportedly claimed to police that he only intended to steal Mr McDwyer’s dog.

The incident occurred in the early hours of June 30, 2022, when Roche entered Mr McDwyer’s home in Fallowfield, Manchester, through an open bedroom window. He inflicted severe injuries to Mr McDwyer, cutting his neck and stabbing him multiple times in a violent assault, as outlined in Manchester Crown Court.

Although Roche admitted to killing Mr McDwyer, he contends that he acted in self-defense, arguing that Mr McDwyer was armed and had referred to alleged abuse. Roche also stated that he could not remember the attack and had no intent to cause harm.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Bill Baker KC detailed Mr McDwyer’s life, explaining that he lived with his son and his Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross, named Sammy. Mr McDwyer's late sister, Maureen, was Roche’s grandmother, making Mr McDwyer the defendant's great uncle.

Mr McDwyer had a history of health issues, including a surgically removed spleen from a previous stabbing and other medical conditions.

Prosecutors revealed that Roche had a past criminal record, including a murder conviction at age 16 for stabbing a man. They presented evidence suggesting his tendency to carry knives, citing an incident in May 2023 when he was found with a lock knife during day release from prison.

Before the attack, Mr McDwyer’s family was away at a wedding, and he locked up his house shortly before Roche was captured on CCTV approaching the residence. Roche allegedly entered through the bedroom window and attacked Mr McDwyer, with sounds of the struggle picked up on CCTV footage.

Roche fled the scene wearing a balaclava and was seen climbing over fences. Subsequent investigations uncovered a torch and blood in a nearby garden. Mr McDwyer’s body was found by his son on July 1, 2022, after returning home.

A postmortem confirmed that Mr McDwyer died from multiple stab wounds to his head and body.

Roche was arrested a week later, and his phone revealed connections to his mother’s death, who had taken her life in 2008. The prosecution alleges that Roche may have perceived Mr McDwyer as responsible for his mother’s death.

Roche provided a defence statement in February 2023, claiming that he acted out of self-defense during a confrontation concerning the dog, which he saw as a representation of his deceased mother.

In closing, prosecutor Baker dismissed Roche’s account as a fabricated defense while defense counsel Joe Stone KC urged jurors to remain impartial. The judge reminded the jury that Mr McDwyer could not defend himself in this trial.

Roche, who resides on Berkeley Avenue, Longsight, continues to deny the murder charge.

Proceeding