Courts / Dublin / Report
Alleged murder victim had cocaine, alcohol in system, trial hears
Summary
In the Central Criminal Court trial of grave digger Martin Hayes, a toxicologist testified that Amadea McDermott, aged 27, had a post‑mortem blood concentration of 0.34 micrograms per milliliter of cocaine and an alcohol level roughly three times the drink‑driving limit. The expert explained that cocaine can be taken in various forms and that its effects depend on individual tolerance, noting that combined use with alcohol can produce unpredictable behaviour. Hayes, aged 34, denies murdering McDermott, claiming she stabbed herself and that he had left her after a fight. A woman in a later relationship with Hayes testified that he had helped her stab McDermott, while a Garda witness reported past physical abuse. The trial is set to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Martin Hayes pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Alleged murder victim had cocaine, alcohol in system, trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering 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
- July 21, 2017 Other
- 2023-11-01 Publication
Why: "Post mortem cocaine concentration can be challenging to interpret and can change because of changes in the body due to death," he explained. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murdering 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
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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