Courts / Dublin / Report
'Planted' narrative of mum-of-two stabbing herself to death 'absolutely a lie', prosecution tell jury
Summary
In the trial of Martin Hayes, 34, charged with murdering his partner Amadea McDermott, 27, the prosecution argued that Hayes had inflicted the fatal stab wound and that the narrative of self‑harm was fabricated. Prosecutor Sean Gillane SC presented evidence of a single abdominal stab that could be consistent with self‑harm, but claimed the overall evidence pointed to Hayes as the perpetrator. He highlighted the absence of Hayes' DNA on the knife and the lack of any forensic link to the wound. Hayes, who pleaded not guilty, had told emergency services that McDermott had stabbed herself. Defence counsel Ronan Munro SC countered that the post‑mortem and toxicology reports were consistent with self‑harm and that Hayes' presence at the scene was evidence of innocence. The case remains at the jury stage, with no verdict yet reached.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Planted' narrative of mum-of-two stabbing herself to death 'absolutely a lie', prosecution tell jury. 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
- July 20 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-11-03 Publication
Why: Addressing the jury at the outset of his closing speech today, Mr Gillane said he was inviting them to convict Mr Hayes of the crime of murder because the evidence established that he was guilty of it. 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
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request