Courts / Dublin / Report
Jury to deliberate for third day in trial of man accused of murdering partner
Summary
The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, is set to deliberate for a third day on Friday in the trial of Martin Hayes, a grave digger accused of murdering his partner, Amadea McDermott, at her home in Coolock on or about 20 July 2017. Hayes, aged 34, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges that Hayes told emergency services that McDermott had self‑harmed, but evidence from a former partner and a garda witness suggests he may have forced her to stab herself. Defence counsel Sean Gillane SC argued that the narrative of self‑harm was fabricated and that the post‑mortem indicated the single stab wound could be consistent with self‑harm. Ronan Munro SC noted no DNA from Hayes on the knife. The jury can return a verdict of guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. Judge Paul McDermott reminded the jurors that they must be unanimous.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jury to deliberate for third day in trial of man accused of murdering partner. 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
- 2023-11-08 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
Topics
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