Courts / Dublin / Report
Grave digger said that partner had stabbed herself, prosecution tell murder trial
Summary
During the opening of Martin Hayes' murder trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Hayes, a 34‑year‑old grave digger, called emergency services after Amadea McDermott, a 27‑year‑old mother of two, died at her Rathvale Drive home on 20 July 2017. Hayes claimed McDermott had stabbed herself, a claim the court heard from paramedic witnesses who described a woman lying on the floor with a stab wound to the right abdomen. A post‑mortem by Dr Marie Cassidy confirmed the fatal wound and identified a knife from the living area as the likely weapon, with DNA matching McDermott's blood on the blade. The prosecution also noted that Hayes had entered a new relationship after McDermott's death and that the new partner would testify about an argument on Christmas Eve 2018. The trial will continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Martin Hayes pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Grave digger said that partner had stabbed herself, prosecution tell murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering mother-of-two Amadea McDermott (27) at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock on or about July 20, 2017. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- July 20, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- Wednesday July 19 Incident
- July 20 2017 Incident
- July 19 Other
- July 20 Incident
- July 2017 Incident
- Christmas Eve 2018 Incident
- 2023-10-17 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering mother-of-two Amadea McDermott (27) at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock on or about July 20, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Rathvale Drive
- Beaumont Hospital
- Rathvale Drive
Topics
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