Courts / Dublin / Report

'Horrific' machete attack on elderly man should result in murder conviction, State tells jury

Date
2024-02-06

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Patrick McDonagh, aged 52, is on trial for the murder of his neighbour Peter McDonald, aged 73, who died on 25 July 2020 after a brutal machete attack. The prosecution, represented by Philipp Rahn SC, argues that the multiple slash, chop and stab wounds inflicted with a machete and knife prove beyond reasonable doubt that McDonagh intended to kill or cause serious injury, and therefore the appropriate verdict is murder. McDonagh has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State has rejected. The defence, led by John Fitzgerald SC, contends that McDonagh was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the attack, and that his mental disorder substantially reduced his responsibility, arguing for a manslaughter verdict. The case is being heard at the Central Criminal Court, with the judge to charge the jury tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Horrific' machete attack on elderly man should result in murder conviction, State tells jury. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
25 July Hearing Or Sentence
2024-02-06 Publication

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