Courts / Clare / Report

Murder accused stamped on partner's head, jury hears

Date
2022-10-05

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Ennis

County
Clare

Summary

In a murder trial in Ennis, a 35‑year‑old man, Patrick Ballard, is accused of killing his partner, 29‑year‑old Sharon Bennett, by repeatedly kicking and stamping on her head in a public toilet. Ballard, formerly of Ashford Court Hotel, admitted that his actions caused Bennett's death and accepted that the killing was unlawful, but pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution, led by Dominic McGinn, outlined that the fatal assault occurred after an argument in a covered car park, witnessed by others and captured on CCTV. Ballard allegedly pushed a third man out of the toilet, continued the assault, and left the scene before an off‑duty guard arrived. Bennett was taken to hospital, survived initially, but died on 10 February 2021. The trial will focus on Ballard's intent and the unlawful nature of his violence. The hearing is scheduled to last two weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused stamped on partner's head, jury hears. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

February 10, 2021 Incident
February 10 2021 Incident
January 28, 2021 Incident
January 28 Other
March 24, 2021 Incident
February 10 Incident
2022-10-05 Publication

Why: He explained that the State's case would be that the natural consequence of kicking someone in the head and stamping repeatedly on them would be to cause serious harm. CNI source report