Courts / Mayo / Report

New jury sworn-in after weather delays trial of father accused of murdering infant son

Date
2018-03-06

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Ballyhaunis

County
Mayo

Summary

A new jury of three men and nine women has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court to hear the trial of John Tighe, aged 40, from Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. Mr Tighe pleads not guilty to the murder of his infant son Joshua Sussbier Tighe at his home on June 1, 2013. The original jury was discharged on the fourth day of the trial due to weather-related delays and a juror's prior commitment. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy cautioned the new panel to rely solely on courtroom evidence. The prosecution alleges the child died from asphyxiation caused by tissue lodged in his throat. Medical experts will testify that a six-and-a-half-month-old could not have formed or swallowed such material independently. The defence maintains the death was accidental, with Mr Tighe claiming the child choked on a baby wipe. The trial continues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: New jury sworn-in after weather delays trial of father accused of murdering infant son. Charges or matters: murdering his son Joshua Sussbier Tighe at his home on June 1, 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

June 1, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
November 16 Other
June 2013 Other
May 31, 2013 Other
2018-03-06 Publication

Why: Mr Justice McCarthy explained that the delay caused by last week's weather meant the trial would likely continue to next week and one of the jurors has a prior commitment. CNI source report