Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Hung jury in butcher knife murder retrial

Summary

A jury at the Central Criminal Court could not reach a verdict in the retrial of 37‑year‑old Tadhg Butler, charged with murdering Michael O'Dwyer with a butcher's knife at Butler's seaside home in Tramore on 10 January 2014. Butler had previously been sentenced to life for the murder, but that conviction was overturned on appeal. The case centred on Butler's claim that he had accidentally stabbed O'Dwyer while trying to disarm his nephew, Anthony O'Grady, who had threatened self‑harm. O'Grady, who testified but could not recall details, said he saw Butler lift a foot‑long knife and stab O'Dwyer, after which Butler returned to drinking. Butler pleaded not guilty. After six hours of deliberation, the jury failed to agree on a verdict and was discharged. The case will be re‑considered before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy on 8 May.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Hung jury in butcher knife murder retrial. Charges or matters: murder and went on trial last week. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• 10th January 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• April 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• May 8th Adjournment
• 2018-04-20 Publication

Why: He explained that he was an addict, had psychiatric problems and had been 'sectioned' several times. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report