Courts / Dublin / Report

'Gentleman' pensioner found dead 14 mins after gardai left him

Date
2024-01-25

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, the accused Patrick McDonagh (52) is charged with the death of his neighbour Peter McDonald (73) on Whitechapel Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, on 25 July 2020. McDonagh is alleged to have swung a machete at Garda armed support units who had forced entry to his home before being tasered and restrained. McDonagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State has not accepted. The trial heard that McDonald was found face‑down on his driveway, surrounded by blood, with a deep laceration from under his left ear to the Adam's apple and a deep cut on his left forearm. The injuries were described as incompatible with life. The case is proceeding before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury of nine men and three women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Gentleman' pensioner found dead 14 mins after gardai left him. Charges or matters: murdering his next-door neighbour Peter McDonald (73) on Whitechapel Road on July 25th, 2020; murder but guilty to manslaughter. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 25th, 2020 Incident
2024-01-25 Publication

Why: They attempted to make contact with Mr McDonagh while they waited for a negotiator to arrive but did not want to enter the house because they hoped to resolve the situation peacefully, he said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Patrick McDonagh

Accused

Charges: murdering his next-door neighbour Peter McDonald (73) on Whitechapel Road on July 25th, 2020; murder but guilty to manslaughter (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty