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Amadea McDermott's family call for stricter laws on domestic abuse as her 'deranged' ex gets 12.5 years
Summary
Amadea McDermott, aged 27, was killed by her partner Martin Hayes, aged 34, who was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for manslaughter. The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, described the killing as a clear case of domestic violence, noting that Hayes had tracked Amadea's movements with a secret app, made menacing videos accusing her of incest, and had a history of aggressive behaviour. Amadea suffered a single stab wound to the abdomen, causing substantial blood loss, and had recent bruises on her limbs and face, evidence of physical abuse. Hayes pleaded not guilty to murder but was found guilty of manslaughter by a majority verdict. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of his first custody in 2022. The McDermott family, led by Amadea's sister Eucharia, called for stricter laws on coercive control and domestic abuse, condemning Hayes as a violent, deranged monster and urging the nation to protect women from such abuse. Martin Hayes was acquitted.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Amadea McDermott's family call for stricter laws on domestic abuse as her 'deranged' ex gets 12.5 years. Charges or matters: murdering the mother of two at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock on or about July 20, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Acquitted
When:
- July 20, 2017 Incident
- April 4, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 8, 2020 Incident
- 2023-11-28 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: murdering the mother of two at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock on or about July 20, 2017 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Acquitted
Outcome: Acquitted; Martin Hayes was today sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison by Mr Justice Paul McDermott for the manslaughter of his partner, Amadea McDermott. The judge set a headline sentence of 14 years and noted there was only limited mitigation, such as Hayes's work record as a gravedigger and his attempts to address his drug abuse issues.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Rathvale Drive
- Beaumont Hospital
Topics
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