Courts / Waterford / Report

Murder accused tells trial he accidentally stabbed man while taking knife from nephew

Summary

During the fifth day of his murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Tadhg Butler, 37, pleaded not guilty to the killing of Michael O'Dwyer, 25, who died on 10 January 2014 after a stab wound at a party in Butler's house in Seafield, Tramore. Butler told the court that he had taken a knife from his nephew, Anthony O'Grady, to prevent the nephew from self‑harm. He claimed that the nephew had become upset over a brother's death and, while holding the knife, said he was "sick of this f*cking life." Butler said he tried to remove the knife, pinning the nephew against a wall, and that he did not realise the knife was in O'Dwyer's chest until the victim collapsed. The prosecution cross‑examined Butler about his earlier statements to Gardaí and his religious beliefs. The trial continues with further cross‑examination scheduled for the next day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused tells trial he accidentally stabbed man while taking knife from nephew. Charges or matters: murdering Michael O'Dwyer on 10th January 2014. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 10th January 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2018-04-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report