Courts / Waterford / Report

Witness denies racially abusing Brazilian murder accused

Date
2017-10-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

Conor Hogan, aged 28, denies that he racially abused the Brazilian accused, Juraci Da Silva, during a 2016 assault in Waterford. Hogan admitted to assaulting Da Silva twice, but denied a third assault and said he could not recall telling Da Silva to "go back to your own country." Da Silva, 36, is on trial for murder and has pleaded not guilty to that charge but guilty to the manslaughter of James Banville, 28, who was stabbed by Da Silva. Da Silva also faces charges of assaulting Hogan and producing a knife. During cross‑examination, Hogan explained that he and Banville attacked Da Silva because he would not leave them alone, and that the colour of his skin was irrelevant. The trial is before Justice Michael White with a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness denies racially abusing Brazilian murder accused. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of 28-year-old James Banville at New Street in Waterford on October 8, 2016; assaulting Mr Hogan causing him harm and to a charge of producing a knife on the same date and at the same place. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 8, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
2017-10-05 Publication

Why: " Mr Hogan said he could not recall saying anything like that and told Mr Cody that the reason he and Mr Banville assaulted the accused was because he "got in our faces" and wouldn't go away when told. CNI source report

Case subjects

Da Silva

Defendant

Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of 28-year-old James Banville at New Street in Waterford on October 8, 2016; assaulting Mr Hogan causing him harm and to a charge of producing a knife on the same date and at the same place (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty