Courts / Dublin / Report

DPP won't seek third manslaughter trial over attack on man who later died

Date
2018-07-31

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Paul Brannigan, 27, of Finglas, was convicted of two assault charges after a March 18, 2014 incident at Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra, where he struck Jason Saunders, who later died at the scene. Brannigan pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, assault causing harm, and possession of a golf club during the assault. A jury could not reach a majority verdict on manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions announced no third trial would be pursued. Brannigan claimed the headbutt was in self‑defence and that the golf club was used to scare Saunders. CCTV and witness evidence showed a headbutt and a golf club injury, with post‑mortem revealing a tulip‑shaped bruise and fractured rib. Brannigan, with ten prior convictions, was remanded in custody pending sentencing on October 22. The court had not yet received a victim impact report.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: DPP won't seek third manslaughter trial over attack on man who later died. Charges or matters: two charges of assaulting Jason Saunders causing him harm at Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra, Dublin on March 18, 2014; the manslaughter of Mr Saunders, two counts of assault causing him harm and production of a golf club during the course of an assault. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

March 18, 2014 Incident
March 18 Hearing Or Sentence
October 22 Adjournment
2018-07-31 Publication

Case subjects

Paul Brannigan

Convicted Person

Charges: two charges of assaulting Jason Saunders causing him harm at Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra, Dublin on March 18, 2014; the manslaughter of Mr Saunders, two counts of assault causing him harm and production of a golf club during the course of an assault (Proven)

Plea: Not guilty

Finding: Convicted

Outcome: Convicted; The court heard Brannigan has 10 previous convictions, including road traffic offences and one for a violent disorder for which he served a sentence.; Judge Baxter remanded Brannigan in continuing custody and adjourned sentencing to October 22, next.