Courts / Wexford / Report
Teen tells court of being woke to news of father's death at hands of brother
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 19‑year‑old Katilyn Butler testified that her life was "changed forever" after her mother informed her that her father, John Butler, had died from injuries sustained in a fight with her brother, Stephen Butler. Katilyn, who still loves her brother but says she can never fully forgive him, described the shock of learning of her father's death at 4 a.m. at University Hospital Waterford, two hours after the altercation. She recounted the emotional impact, her anger toward Stephen, and her hope to rebuild their relationship. The court also heard a victim impact statement from Stephen's brother, William Butler, who lamented the loss of a family member. Stephen Butler, aged 23, had pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter; the jury found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and he was remanded for sentencing. Mr Justice Paul Burns adjourned the sentencing until 24 January.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen tells court of being woke to news of father's death at hands of brother. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Butler (48) at Portlaw, Co Waterford in the early hours of January 11, 2020 but admitted his manslaughter; offence of manslaughter at the first available opportunity, even though the State had decided not to accept his early plea. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 11, 2020 Other
- January 24 Adjournment
- 2021-12-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Mr Butler (48) at Portlaw, Co Waterford in the early hours of January 11, 2020 but admitted his manslaughter; offence of manslaughter at the first available opportunity, even though the State had decided not to accept his early plea (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Cody added, however, that the "interests of justice" would not be served by imposing a lengthy custodial sentence on his client.; He was remanded in custody for sentencing on the manslaughter charge.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- University Hospital
Topics
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