Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman jailed for manslaughter of her cousin who "died alone and unaided"

Date
2017-02-09

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Donna O'Brien, aged 25, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for the manslaughter of her cousin Bernadette Cash, 20, who died alone and unaided after a violent assault at O'Brien's home in Blanchardstown on 30 October 2013. O'Brien pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Witnesses described a series of punches and kicks to Cash's face and head, with O'Brien admitting to punching but denying kicking. The victim was found dead the next morning in a hallway, with a post‑mortem revealing brain swelling and head injuries as the cause of death. Toxicology showed morphine and codeine in Cash's system. O'Brien also received a consecutive 18‑month suspended term for unrelated theft offences committed in September 2013. The judge noted O'Brien's history of drug abuse, childhood exposure to violence, and her remorse, taking these into account when imposing the sentence. The case highlighted the severe violence that Cash had endured prior to the fatal assault.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman jailed for manslaughter of her cousin who "died alone and unaided". Charges or matters: manslaughter of Ms Cash at her home in Warrenstown Walk, Blanchardstown on 30 October 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When: