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'Abusive' murder accused told new girlfriend he had 'helped' ex put knife through her stomach, trial hears
Summary
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, Martin Hayes, aged 34, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Amadea McDermott, aged 27, who died on or about 20 July 2017. Hayes testified that he had helped McDermott, who was holding a knife, to insert it into her stomach by placing his hands on hers. He claimed the knife was used by McDermott to defend herself after a heated argument. Hayes also alleged that he had confronted McDermott about messages on her daughter's phone and chased her to retrieve it. Niamh Higgins, a former partner of Hayes, testified that Hayes had admitted to holding the knife on Christmas Eve 2018 and that he had been abusive that night. The jury heard evidence from Garda Jason Flynn and the case continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Abusive' murder accused told new girlfriend he had 'helped' ex put knife through her stomach, trial hears. 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 Other
- September 2018 Other
- July 2017 Other
- November 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2023 Other
- May 18 Other
- Christmas Eve 2018 Incident
- Christmas Incident
- Christmas Eve Other
- 2023-10-24 Publication
Why: Ms Higgins said the accused told her that he had confronted Amadea on the night she died in July 2017 and that the deceased had got a knife "to defend or protect herself because she obviously knew the extremes of Martin's behaviour". CNI source report
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
Topics
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