Courts / Mayo / Report
Man who stabbed home attacker in self defence is cleared of murder
Summary
A 33-year-old man has been acquitted of murder at the Central Criminal Court following a trial concerning a stabbing at a housing estate in Swinford, County Mayo. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, returned a majority verdict after deliberating for nine hours and 54 minutes over three days. The accused had pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 24-year-old man on 16 November 2020. The defence case centred on self-defence, with the accused maintaining throughout that he feared for his life during the incident. Expert psychiatric evidence was presented indicating the accused has paranoid schizophrenia, which was likely active at the time of the stabbing. A pathologist confirmed the fatal wound was a single stab to the abdomen. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring thanked the jury for their service in what she described as a difficult trial and excused them from jury duty for ten years.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man who stabbed home attacker in self defence is cleared of murder. Charges or matters: the murder of Michael McDonagh (24) at a housing estate in Swinford on November 16, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 16, 2020 Incident
- November 16 Other
- August 2020 Other
- 2023-03-31 Publication
Why: A 33-year-old man who stabbed a man in his own home in self defence because he believed his life was in danger has been acquitted of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the murder of Michael McDonagh (24) at a housing estate in Swinford on November 16, 2020 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: Mr Heneghan asked Mr Maughan if Mr Batiuk had any reason to fear Mr Maughan, to which the witness replied he did not. "You're now serving a prison sentence – what for?" asked Mr Heneghan. "For stabbing Matusz," replied Mr Maughan.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Swinford
- Carrabeg Estate
- Mr Maughan at Swinford Garda Station
- Swinford
- Mr Batiuk's house
Topics
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