Courts / Waterford / Report

House "covered" in blood and littered with drink cans, murder trial hears

Summary

In a Waterford murder trial, evidence was presented that emergency services discovered a blood‑soaked man outside the accused's house, which was also covered in blood and littered with alcohol cans. The trial concerns a 37‑year‑old man, Tadhg Butler, who is charged with murdering 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer on 10 January 2014. Butler pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, argued that O'Dwyer was stabbed in the chest at Butler's address, with his heart and left lung injured, leading to death in hospital a few hours later. Butler had previously been known as Thomas O'Grady but changed his name by deed poll. Garda and paramedic witnesses described the crime scene, noting forced entry, blood on the floor, numerous empty cans, and a recent alcohol purchase. The trial is set to continue before Mr Justice Paul Butler and a jury of twelve.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: House "covered" in blood and littered with drink cans, murder trial hears. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 10th January 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-04-10 Publication

Why: The prosecutor also explained that Tadhg Butler had previously been called Thomas O'Grady, but had changed his name by deed poll. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report