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Bones in Dermot Byrne's face "broken into little bits", jury hears
Summary
During the murder trial of 31‑year‑old Anthony Walsh, Deputy State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster described the severe injuries to 54‑year‑old Dermot Byrne's face. She said the bones were broken into little fragments and that his brain had "swirled around" his skull after he was punched and kicked. Glass fragments were found in his face and neck. The body lay in blood at the top of seven steps leading to Fingal Community College. Dr Bolster noted multiple fractures to the jaw, nasal bones, ribs and lacerations to the scalp. Toxicology revealed 350 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, indicating heavy intoxication. She concluded the cause of death was traumatic brain injury from blunt force trauma to the head, neck and chest, with fractured ribs and high alcohol levels complicating the condition. The jury heard this evidence before the trial proceeded to the next phase. Deputy State Pathologist Dr pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bones in Dermot Byrne's face "broken into little bits", jury hears. Charges or matters: murdering Dermot Byrne but guilty to his manslaughter outside a school at North St, Swords, Co Dublin on July 16, 2017; stealing a bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter from the deceased on the same date and location. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- July 16, 2017 Other
- 2018-10-19 Publication
Why: Because the blood spatter on the door to the school was low down, she said it was more likely caused by punches or kicks than a weapon. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Dermot Byrne but guilty to his manslaughter outside a school at North St, Swords, Co Dublin on July 16, 2017; stealing a bank card, keys and a Zippo lighter from the deceased on the same date and location (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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