Courts / Dublin / Report

Detective sprinkled armed gardai with holy water, murder trial hears

Summary

During a stand‑off at a Dublin house, Detective Garda Michael Hughes sprinkled himself and armed officers with holy water after the accused, Patrick McDonagh, claimed he was speaking to God and accused the Garda of being the devil. McDonagh, 52, had a history of mental health issues and was surrounded by armed Gardaí and negotiators. He was later subdued and arrested. The Central Criminal Court heard that McDonagh had murdered his neighbour, 73‑year‑old Peter McDonald, on 25 July 2020, using a machete. Forensic evidence from blood stains on the victim's home matched McDonald's DNA, indicating a violent assault. McDonagh pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; the State has not accepted the plea. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath with a jury of nine men and three women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Detective sprinkled armed gardai with holy water, murder trial hears. 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
• 2024-01-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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'

Read the original CNI report