Courts / Dublin / Report

"I just thought it was a fist fight", manslaughter accused told gardai

Date
2019-11-27

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Jonathan Dargan, 49, pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Patrick Mullally, 56, on 6 March 2016, and to two assault charges involving Lauren Mullally and Shane Cunningham on 5 March 2016. During the trial, Dargan told Gardaí that he and his girlfriend had been at a concert and were involved in a "fist fight" when three men joined the altercation. He claimed he threw punches, was hit, and that one man grabbed his neck. He said he left the scene in his car, thinking it was a simple fight. Gardaí later located his silver Mercedes at a Texaco forecourt, where he admitted involvement. Lauren Mullally testified that she had been celebrating with her uncle, the deceased, and that she struck Dargan with a shoe after seeing him near the deceased. The trial is proceeding before Judge Pauline Codd and a jury of five women and seven men.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "I just thought it was a fist fight", manslaughter accused told gardai. Charges or matters: unlawfully killing Patrick Mullally (56) on March 6, 2016; two charges of assault causing harm to Lauren Mullally and Shane Cunningham on Harold's Cross Road, Dublin 6, on March 5, 2016. Procedural stage: trial

When:

March 6, 2016 Incident
March 5, 2016 Incident
2019-11-27 Publication

Case subjects

Jonathan Dargan

Defendant

Charges: unlawfully killing Patrick Mullally (56) on March 6, 2016; two charges of assault causing harm to Lauren Mullally and Shane Cunningham on Harold's Cross Road, Dublin 6, on March 5, 2016 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty