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Grave digger who claimed partner stabbed herself to death found guilty of manslaughter
Summary
Martin Hayes, a grave digger, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after a Central Criminal Court jury returned a majority verdict of 11‑1. Hayes admitted to using violence against Amadea McDermott, 27, and to having accessed her phone via a hidden app. He claimed she stabbed herself, a claim the jury rejected. The prosecution argued that Hayes inflicted a single stab wound to McDermott's abdomen without the intent to kill, and that evidence such as the absence of DNA on the knife, toxicology reports, and McDermott's text messages indicating fear of Hayes supported this view. The jury spent 13 hours and 22 minutes over four days deliberating. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 21 November, with Hayes remanded in custody until then. The McDermott family will be allowed to speak at that hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Grave digger who claimed partner stabbed herself to death found guilty of manslaughter. Charges or matters: murdering Amadea McDermott at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock on or about July 20, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 20, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 21 Adjournment
- 2023-11-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: murdering Amadea McDermott at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock on or about July 20, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: A sentence hearing for Hayes will take place on November 21 and the judge remanded the defendant in custody until that date.; A sentence hearing for Hayes will take place on November 21 and the judge remanded the defendant in custody until that date.
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