Courts / Waterford / Report

Murder accused was attacked and racially abused by deceased, witness tells trial

Date
2017-10-09

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

During the trial of Juraci Da Silva, a 36‑year‑old Brazilian resident of Park Lane Apartments, a witness named Melanie Byrne testified that on the night of 8 October 2016, Da Silva was racially abused and assaulted by two Irish men, Conor Hogan and James Banville, who were also the alleged perpetrators of the murder of 28‑year‑old James Banville on New Street. Byrne described seeing the men shout racial slurs, punch Da Silva for no reason, and later threaten him with the words "Go back to your own country." She also recalled seeing the men earlier that evening in Sinnott's nightclub, appearing aggressive and "on something," and later witnessing them taking drugs in an alley before the assault. Additional witnesses, including Emily Keogh, Susan Foley, Emma Balfe, and Evan Russell, corroborated that Da Silva was attacked by the two Irish men, who were later identified as the murder suspects. Juraci Da Silva pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused was attacked and racially abused by deceased, witness tells trial. 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 Conor 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
2017-10-09 Publication

Case subjects

Juraci 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 Conor 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