Courts / Meath / Report

Amanda Carroll accused too drunk to form intent to murder, defence say

Date
2020-10-21

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Navan

County
Meath

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Sean Nolan, 36, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of his partner Amanda Carroll, 33, who died on 21 October 2018. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins argued that Nolan was too intoxicated to form intent, describing the death as accidental and citing witnesses who saw Nolan caring for Carroll. The prosecution, led by Shane Costelloe, maintained that Nolan intentionally strangled Carroll for 20 seconds, arguing that intoxication does not negate intent. Evidence included Carroll's blood containing alcohol, sedatives, and cocaine, and a pathologist's testimony that asphyxiation caused her death. The jury was instructed to decide whether Nolan intended to kill or cause serious injury, with the case centred on the question of intent under severe intoxication. The trial was set to continue the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Amanda Carroll accused too drunk to form intent to murder, defence say. Charges or matters: murdering Ms Carroll in her Dublin apartment two years ago; murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Ms Carroll (33) at Homestead Court, Quarry Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 on October 21, 2018; manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

October 21, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
October 21 Other
2020-10-21 Publication

Case subjects

Amanda Carroll

Accused

Charges: murdering Ms Carroll in her Dublin apartment two years ago; murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Ms Carroll (33) at Homestead Court, Quarry Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 on October 21, 2018; manslaughter (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Sean Nolan

Accused

Plea: Not guilty