We are tormented Jennifer spent her last minutes on the Earth with the very worst of humanity
A MAN whose sister was stabbed to death by her boyfriend said his family are tortured by thoughts she spent her last moments with the “worst of humanity”.
Jennifer Poole, who was 24 and a mother-of-two, was murdered at her flat in North Dublin, in April last year.
Speaking after killer Gavin Murphy, 30, was sentenced to life, her brother Jason said: “No one deserves to die at the hands of another person for no reason. No one deserves to be treated like Jennifer was treated.
“No one should think they can control a person and make them feel worthless. Nobody should feel afraid or scared of someone else.”
Prosecutor Dean Kelly told the trial Ms Poole’s young son was outside at the time of the fatal assault and could hear his mother’s cries for help.
The victim’s friend and neighbour tried to break down the deceased’s front door during the attack as Ms Poole screamed at her to kick the door in.
The Central Criminal Court also heard Murphy has a string of previous convictions including one for assaulting a previous partner.
The court was told the relationship between Jennifer and Murphy had ongoing difficulties and her friend had noticed injuries on her in the weeks before her death.
Before sentencing the defendant, Mr Justice Burns said: “This is yet another case of a violent attack upon a young mother by a male partner, this case having fatal consequences.
“The accused appears to be of a violent disposition, having previously been convicted of assault causing harm to a previous partner and her mother, where he produced a knife.
»»Victim’s brother
reveals family pain »»Thug gets life for
mum-of-two’s murder
VIOLENCE
“It shows his disposition for violence upon women.
“Ms Poole received seven stab wounds, her neighbour witnessed it in part and that must have been a harrowing experience for her.
“The victim impact statements made were very eloquent. It is clear Ms Poole was a good and caring person, a devoted mother and respected in her community.
“The loss has had a devastating effect upon the family, particularly her two small children who are left to make their way in the world without the love of their mother.”
Murphy, of Coultry Drive, Ballymun, North Dublin, had admitted the murder of Ms Poole who was a healthcare worker and keen camogie player.
His other convictions include using a mobile phone while in custody, the unlawful seizure of a vehicle, criminal damage and burglary.
In a letter of apology to the Poole family which was read out today by his defence counsel in court, Murphy said: “I know nothing I can say can take away the pain.
“Everyone knew and loved Jennifer.
I cannot say how sorry I am for what I have done. I pleaded guilty to murder to show how sorry I am.
“I wanted to save everyone who loved Jennifer from having to go through a
trial. I wanted to accept full responsibility. I will never forgive myself for what I did”.
Mr Poole also said the family have so many unanswered questions as to why and how someone could take the life of another person who was always there to help others and who had a family and two “beautiful young children”.
The testimony was heard as part of an emotional victim impact statement yesterday.
Murphy’s life sentence was backdated to April 17, 2021, when he went into custody.