Courts / Kilkenny / Report

Jury begins deliberations in murder trial of man who sacked his legal team and made his own closing speech

Summary

In a Waterford murder trial, 34‑year‑old Tadhg Butler, also known as Thomas O'Grady, is charged with killing 25‑year‑old Michael O'Dwyer on 10 January 2014. The judge, Justice Patrick McCarthy, instructed the jury to base their verdict solely on the evidence presented, noting that Butler's closing speech contained statements that were not evidence. He emphasized that the jury must consider the reliability of witness statements, particularly that of Anthony O'Grady, Butler's nephew, and the testimony of Ms Rose Burke, Butler's former partner. The judge also clarified that Butler's decision not to testify does not imply guilt. He reminded the jury that any reference to Butler's family or potential consequences of conviction is irrelevant to the adjudication. The jury began deliberations after the judge's instructions. Tadhg Butler pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury begins deliberations in murder trial of man who sacked his legal team and made his own closing speech. Charges or matters: murdering Michael O'Dwyer at that address on 10th January, 2014; murdering his fellow Kilkenny man. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 10th January Hearing Or Sentence
• January 10 2014 Incident
• 2015-05-14 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

• Former Christian Brothers accused of breach of duty to be named in national newspaper
• High Court to consider publishing names of 340 former Christian Brothers
• Judge should have convicted drivers caught like 'fish in a barrel' in 'unjust speed zone'
• Disabled snooker player acquitted of assaulting Carlow gardaí
• Mayo jury returns insanity verdict in telecoms damage case
• Musician gets 16.5 years for repeatedly raping then-wife and her sister

Read the original CNI report