Courts / Waterford / Report

Brazilian not guilty of murdering man who attacked and racially abused him

Date
2017-10-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

A jury at the Central Criminal Court in Waterford found Juraci Da Silva, a 36‑year‑old Brazilian meat‑factory worker, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of James Banville, 28, on 8 October 2016. The jury also acquitted him of assault causing harm to Banville's friend Conor Hogan, but found him guilty of producing a knife during the fight. Da Silva had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea rejected by the State. He was remanded in custody until 20 November for a sentencing hearing. The case involved a series of assaults by Hogan and Banville, who had prior convictions, and a fatal stabbing that occurred after Da Silva was provoked and had produced a knife. The court noted that Da Silva was drunk, unsteady, and had no intent to kill, leading to the manslaughter verdict.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brazilian not guilty of murdering man who attacked and racially abused him. Charges or matters: manslaughter for killing James Banville (28) at New Street in Waterford on October 8, 2016 but his plea was rejected by the State. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 8, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
November 20 Adjournment
August 2016 Adjournment
2017-10-20 Publication

Case subjects

Conor Hogan

Defendant

Charges: manslaughter for killing James Banville (28) at New Street in Waterford on October 8, 2016 but his plea was rejected by the State (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mr Justice Michael White thanked the jury for their service and remanded Mr Da Silva in custody until November 20 for a sentencing hearing, during which Mr Banville's family will have the opportunity to make a statement.

Juraci Da Silva

Defendant

Charges: manslaughter for killing James Banville (28) at New Street in Waterford on October 8, 2016 but his plea was rejected by the State (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty