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Witness at murder trial describes seeing his gut falling out of his body
Summary
During the trial of 23‑year‑old David Brannock, John O'Neill gave evidence about an incident that occurred on the evening of 12 September 2012. O'Neill said he was at his sister Claire Byrne's home celebrating her daughter Jade's Junior Cert results when Brannock arrived after midnight. An argument ensued, Brannock threw bottles and shouted threats. O'Neill followed Brannock and his brother‑in‑law Jason Flannery and nephew Anthony Byrne out of the house. He found Flannery lying in a pool of blood and described a violent struggle in which he was struck in the throat. O'Neill claimed he felt a part of his gut falling out, a golf‑ball‑sized piece, and that he sustained seven stab wounds. He spent ten days in a coma, 25 days with a breathing tube, and nearly a month in hospital. Claire Byrne also testified, describing her attempt to protect her son and the violent encounter with Brannock. David Brannock pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Witness at murder trial describes seeing his gut falling out of his body. Charges or matters: murdering father-of-three Jason Flannery, causing serious harm to his brother in law, Mr O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Mr Flannery's daughter, Jade Byrne; son, Anthony Byrne, and their mother, Claire Byrne; all five offences in the early hours of September 13th, 2012 at St Joseph's Way, Poppintree, Ballymun. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- September 13th, 2012 Incident
- September 12th Hearing Or Sentence
- 2014-11-05 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering father-of-three Jason Flannery, causing serious harm to his brother in law, Mr O'Neill, and assault causing harm to Mr Flannery's daughter, Jade Byrne; son, Anthony Byrne, and their mother, Claire Byrne; all five offences in the early hours of September 13th, 2012 at St Joseph's Way, Poppintree, Ballymun (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- St Joseph's Way
- Ballymun
- St Joseph's Way
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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