A Dublin man has pleaded guilty to murdering his wife after Gardaí successfully unlocked his phone and discovered video and audio footage of the fatal attack.
Stephen Mooney (52) admitted to killing Anna Mooney (46), a Ukrainian mother of two, at their home on Kilbarrack Road, Dublin 5, on June 15, 2023.
Mooney had been due to stand trial for murder, but a breakthrough in forensic technology led to crucial new evidence, prompting his guilty plea at the Central Criminal Court today.
Breakthrough in Garda Investigation
Initially, Gardaí were unable to access Mooney’s mobile phone, which was seized at the crime scene. The device was locked with a PIN code, preventing investigators from reviewing its contents.
However, a recent update to the Cellebrite software—used by Gardaí for digital forensic analysis—allowed them to unlock the phone without needing a password. Upon gaining access, investigators found highly incriminating video and audio recordings capturing the minutes leading up to the fatal incident, as well as the murder itself.
Senior Counsel for the prosecution, Desmond Dockery, told the court that once Gardaí accessed the device, it was “immediately apparent” that it contained crucial evidence.
Michael Bowman SC, defending Mooney, acknowledged that the Cellebrite update had transformed the case. “What had been impossible is now a reality,” he said.
Following an urgent legal consultation, Mooney changed his plea to guilty.
Court Appearance & Sentencing
Mooney appeared in court today wearing a blue suit, blue shirt, and tie. When asked how he pleaded to the charge of murdering his wife, he simply replied: “Guilty.”
As the mandatory sentence for murder in Ireland is life imprisonment, Mr. Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to allow members of Anna Mooney’s family time to prepare victim impact statements.
Mooney remains in custody, and the case will be mentioned again on June 18, when a sentencing date will be confirmed.
Conclusion
This case highlights the growing role of digital forensics in criminal investigations. The Cellebrite software update provided crucial evidence that ultimately led to Mooney’s guilty plea, ensuring justice for Anna Mooney and her grieving family.
