Courts / Dublin / Report

Deceased had assaulted accused in past, trial hears

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, 31‑year‑old Ronan Byrne pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of James Marren, 57, who died on 31 October 2013 after a blood clot from a fractured leg travelled to his heart. Byrne is alleged to have fractured Marren's leg with a bat on 26 October 2013, days before the fatal clot. He denies both the assault and the use of a baseball bat. Byrne's mother, Mairead, testified that Marren had been in a relationship with her for at least 13 years and that Marren had verbally abused her son, but she did not witness the fight. Neighbour Hugh Kenny described a commotion at the house on 26 October, noting Marren was lying on the bathroom floor with a large forehead wound and that an ambulance was called. The trial continues before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Deceased had assaulted accused in past, trial hears. Charges or matters: the unlawful killing of James Marren (57) at that address on October 31, 2013. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• October 31, 2013 Incident
• October 26, 2013 Incident
• October 31 Other
• 2021-09-24 Publication

Why: Ms Byrne said she went to bed because she was supposed to get up early the next morning. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report