Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury finds man was provoked into killing father

Date
2020-01-24

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court case, Mark Tims (48) was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after he killed his father, Anthony 'Tony' Tims (74), on the latter's birthday. The jury, after six hours and 17 minutes, accepted Tims' plea of guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder. The incident occurred at Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, when Tims, provoked by his father's harsh remarks and a heated argument, struck him with a cup and then kicked him three times, causing fatal injuries. Tims was taken to Midlands Prison pending a sentencing hearing on 24 February. Justice Tony Hunt thanked the jurors and exempted them from further service for 12 years, describing the case as tragic for all involved. The trial highlighted the tense relationship between father and son, with Tims' girlfriend Elizabeth McDonagh testifying about their frequent disputes and the father's controlling behaviour.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury finds man was provoked into killing father. Charges or matters: manslaughter but not guilty to the murder of his father Anthony 'Tony' Tims at the home they shared at Rowlagh Green, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 on July 13, 2018. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 24 Hearing Or Sentence
July 13, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
2020-01-24 Publication

Case subjects

Mark Tims

Defendant

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

Plea: Guilty