Courts / Cork / Report

Drug addict who stabbed another man in row over heroin is found guilty of murder

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court trial, Peter Jackson, 41, was found guilty of murder after stabbing David Hamilton, 31, during a heroin dispute on Kerryhall Road, Fairhill, Co Cork, on 4 May 2012. Jackson had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury, consisting of ten men and two women, deliberated for nine hours and fifty‑four minutes, reaching a verdict by a majority of 11 to one after four days of evidence. The case involved an argument over heroin use, with both men injecting and attempting to share a second bag of heroin. A friend, Ms Pamela McHale, 26, testified that a fight ensued, leading Jackson to stab Hamilton with a knife. Jackson later admitted his role. The verdict was read at 4.15 p.m., and the sentencing is scheduled for 23 November, when victim impact statements will be heard. The court thanked the jurors and exempted them from further service for 15 years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drug addict who stabbed another man in row over heroin is found guilty of murder. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to manslaughter for the fatal stabbing of David Hamilton (31), at a house on Kerryhall Road on May 4 2012. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 4 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 23 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-11-13 Publication

Why: He said that Mr Jackson had been friendly with Mr Hamilton and offered to share the heroin he had bought that day because Mr Hamilton was finding it difficult to get some. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report