Courts / Mayo / Report
Jury begin deliberating in Mayo murder trial
Summary
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the case of a man charged with murdering a 24-year-old from County Mayo. Matusz Batiuk, formerly of Carrabeg Estate in Swinford, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael McDonagh, who died from a single stab wound on November 16, 2020. Justice Mary Ellen Ring outlined five possible verdicts available to the jury, ranging from murder to manslaughter verdicts on grounds of self-defence, excessive force, lack of intent to kill, or diminished responsibility. The accused has maintained he acted in self-defence, telling gardaí at the scene that he stabbed Mr McDonagh because he believed his life was in danger. Evidence heard during the trial included testimony from a pathologist regarding the fatal wound and psychiatric assessments of the accused. The judge reminded the jury of conflicting accounts given by a witness present at the property. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, will continue their deliberations on the following day.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury begin deliberating in Mayo murder trial. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael McDonagh at the housing estate on November 16, 2020, and the jury previously heard that the accused said he believed his life was in danger when he stabbed Mr McDonagh. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 16, 2020 Other
- 2023-03-29 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: the murder of Michael McDonagh at the housing estate on November 16, 2020, and the jury previously heard that the accused said he believed his life was in danger when he stabbed Mr McDonagh (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: She also reminded the jury that Mr Maughan confirmed that he is currently serving a sentence for stabbing Mr Batiuk three months before the death of Mr McDonagh. "You have to decide about his evidence.
Places mentioned
Topics
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