Courts / Dublin / Report

Martial arts instructor guilty of killing man who intervened in "domestic" row

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, martial‑arts instructor Jonathan Dargan (49) was found guilty of unlawful killing after a late‑night domestic dispute on Harold's Cross Road on 6 March 2016. Dargan was arguing with his partner when Patrick Mullally (56) and Jason Cunningham approached. A cyclist testified that Dargan threw powerful punches at Mullally, who suffered a subdural haemorrhage and died the next day. Dargan admitted striking Mullally but claimed he was surrounded and feared for his safety, arguing self‑defence. The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict on manslaughter after four hours of deliberation, and a majority verdict on assaulting Cunningham after an additional hour. The assault charge against Mullally's niece was withdrawn. Judge Pauline Codd set a sentencing date for 27 January, directed victim‑impact and probation reports, and remanded Dargan on continuing bail.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Martial arts instructor guilty of killing man who intervened in "domestic" row. Charges or matters: unlawful killing; assault causing harm to Mr Cunningham; assault causing harm to Lauren Mullally. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• March 6, 2016 Incident
• January 27 Other
• 2019-12-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report