Courts / Waterford / Report
Man who killed own father in fist-fight jailed for 4 years
Summary
A 23‑year‑old Stephen Butler was jailed for four years after he killed his 48‑year‑old father John Butler during a fist‑fight that erupted moments after the pair left a pub in Portlaw, Co. Waterford. Butler told gardai he did not intend to kill his father and claimed the fight was simply a row. He pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter. After an eight‑day trial in October 2021, the jury accepted his defence and he was remanded for sentencing. At the hearing, Mr Justice Paul Burns noted the lack of premeditation, no weapon, and Butler's remorse. The judge sentenced Butler to five years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended for five years, citing his lack of prior convictions, early guilty plea, cooperation with investigators and genuine remorse. The case highlighted the tragic impact on Butler's sister Katilyn, who lost her father and now struggles to forgive her brother.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who killed own father in fist-fight jailed for 4 years. Charges or matters: the murder of Mr Butler (48) but admitted manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court; manslaughter. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 11, 2020 Incident
- October 2021 Adjournment
- 2022-01-17 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Mr Butler (48) but admitted manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Defendant
Charges: manslaughter (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Sentencing Butler to five years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended for five years, Mr Justice Burns said he was also taking into account the accused's lack of any previous convictions, his early guilty plea to the manslaughter charge, the cooperation he provided to investigating gardai and the "genuine remorse" he has expressed for his actions.; sentenced
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