Courts / Waterford / Report

Murderer who cross-examined his own cousin at trial appeals conviction

Summary

Tadhg Butler, 36, of Seafield, Tramore, was convicted of murdering Michael O'Dwyer, 25, at Butler's home on 10 January 2014. The Central Criminal Court found him guilty after a 2‑hour 26‑minute trial and sentenced him to mandatory life imprisonment on 15 May 2015. During the trial, Butler dismissed his legal team on day six and cross‑examined his cousin, Patrick O'Grady, a key prosecution witness, in what the judge called an "exceptional situation." Butler later claimed he had changed his defence, suggesting the stabbing was accidental, but the witness rejected this proposition and no evidence was presented to support it. Butler has now filed an appeal on several grounds, with the Court of Appeal reserving judgment. The appeal is pending, and no further procedural developments are reported in the article. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murderer who cross-examined his own cousin at trial appeals conviction. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael O'Dwyer (25) at that address on January 10, 2014. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• January 10, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 15, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-05-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report