Jasmine McMonagle trial: ex cleared of murder, guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility

Richard Burke, aged 32, of Killygordon, County Donegal, has been found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at the Central Criminal Court. He was acquitted of murder in connection with the death of Jasmine McMonagle at Forest Park, Killygordon on January 4, 2019. The jury unanimously agreed on the manslaughter verdict following evidence from two psychiatrists that Burke's mental disorder substantially diminished his responsibility at the time of the killing. The trial judge noted that all evidence pointed toward the manslaughter conclusion, and neither prosecution nor defence disputed the psychiatric findings. Burke had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April 18, at which the court will hear victim impact statements from Ms McMonagle's family.