Courts / Dublin / Report
Murder accused grave digger takes the stand at own trial, tells jury relationship was 'toxic'
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 2 November 2023, 34‑year‑old grave digger Martin Hayes, accused of murdering his 27‑year‑old partner Amadea McDermott, took the stand to deny stabbing her. He claimed the relationship was "toxic" but that he had done everything to save her. Hayes said he had thrown her onto a sofa when she wouldn't let him go to work and that he had no right to hit back if someone hit him. He denied confessing to girlfriend Niamh Higgins that he had stabbed McDermott, calling her a liar. Hayes also denied that McDermott had self‑harmed, stating he had called emergency services three times and held a towel over a wound. The trial heard witnesses describing bruises on McDermott's body and alleged physical abuse. The case remains in progress before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women. Martin Hayes pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Murder accused grave digger takes the stand at own trial, tells jury relationship was 'toxic'. 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
- December 30 Other
- July 14 Other
- Christmas Eve Other
- 2023-11-02 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
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
- Central Criminal Court
- The Central Criminal Court
- Rathvale Drive
Topics
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