Courts / Cork / Report
Defence tell murder trial jury told to "get inside" mind of accused
Summary
In the murder trial of Peter Jackson, a 41‑year‑old drug addict, the jury was instructed to consider his mental state on the day of the incident. Jackson pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of 31‑year‑old David Hamilton, who was stabbed on 4 May 2012 at a house on Kerryhall Road. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC explained that by pleading guilty to manslaughter, Jackson accepted responsibility for Hamilton's death but denied intent to kill. Justice Isobel Kennedy told the jury that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Jackson intended to kill or cause serious harm, and that provocation could negate murder if the accused lost control. The prosecution argued that Jackson had tried to inject heroin, an argument escalated, and Jackson then stabbed Hamilton. Witness Pamela McHale confirmed the fight and that Jackson had taken a knife from the table.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Defence tell murder trial jury told to "get inside" mind of accused. Charges or matters: murder, but guilty to the manslaughter of Wexford man David Hamilton (31), at a house on Kerryhall Road on May 4, 2012; murder. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- May 4, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2012 Other
- 2015-11-10 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder, but guilty to the manslaughter of Wexford man David Hamilton (31), at a house on Kerryhall Road on May 4, 2012 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Trial Violent Crime
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