Courts / Dublin / Report

Father told son "I wish you were never born" before fatal attack, witness tells trial

Date
2020-01-14
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Ms Elizabeth McDonagh, former partner of Mark Tims, gave evidence in his trial for the manslaughter of his father Anthony Tims. She described a day in July 2018 when Anthony returned home after a birthday celebration and a heated argument over a burnt breakfast. Mark allegedly put Anthony in a headlock, punched him twice in the head, kicked him in the chest and head, and continued to strike him after Anthony fell. McDonagh said she tried to intervene but could not stop the assault and called the Gardaí. An ambulance arrived but Anthony was already dead. McDonagh noted that the father and son had a rocky, drinking‑heavy relationship and that Anthony had often threatened Mark with the Gardaí. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury. Mark Tims pleaded guilty. Elizabeth McDonagh pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Father told son "I wish you were never born" before fatal attack, witness tells trial. Charges or matters: manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of his father Anthony Tims at the home they shared at Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on July 13, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: " Ms McDonagh went next door and asked the neighbours to call the guards because, she said, she knew Mark had gone too far. CNI source report

Case subjects

Elizabeth McDonagh

Accused

Charges: manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of his father Anthony Tims at the home they shared at Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on July 13, 2018 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Mark Tims

Accused

Charges: manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of his father Anthony Tims at the home they shared at Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on July 13, 2018 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Places mentioned

Incident

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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