Courts / Waterford / Report

Deceased had cocktail of drugs in his system, murder trial hears

Date
2017-10-11

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

During a murder trial, Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis revealed that James Banville, who was stabbed to death on 8 October 2016 in Waterford, had alcohol, cocaine, methadone and valium in his system. He died from a single stab wound to the heart and was otherwise healthy. Juraci Da Silva, aged 36 and resident of Park Lane Apartments, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Banville, a plea not accepted by the State, and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Da Silva also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Conor Hogan and to producing a knife on the same date and place. Dr Curtis explained that cocaine is a strong stimulant that can lead to erratic or violent behaviour, and that combining it with alcohol can enhance the effect. He noted that methadone is often prescribed to people who are addicted to opioids such as heroin.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Deceased had cocktail of drugs in his system, murder trial hears. 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
2017-10-11 Publication

Case subjects

Deputy State Pathologist Dr

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)

Juraci Da Silva

Defendant

Plea: Not guilty