Courts / Dublin / Report

Manslaughter accused "extremely unlucky" that alleged golf club blow had fatal effect, prosecution tells jury

Date
2015-12-01

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 24‑year‑old Dublin man, Paul Brannigan, is on trial for the manslaughter of Jason Saunders, who died outside a flat on Nassau Avenue, Cabra West, on 18 March 2014. Brannigan has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, assault causing harm, and possession of a golf club during the dispute. Prosecutor Colm O'Briain told the jury that Saunders arrived at Brannigan's flat in a taxi at about 6 a.m., that the men argued, and that Brannigan head‑butted Saunders before striking him on the left side of the chest with a golf club. CCTV footage and witness statements will show Saunders stumbling, falling face‑down, and being tended by nurses before an ambulance arrived. The Chief State Pathologist will testify that the blow caused fatal interference with Saunders' heart, and the prosecution will argue that Saunders was "extremely unlucky" that the blow was fatal, without alleging intent to kill.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Manslaughter accused "extremely unlucky" that alleged golf club blow had fatal effect, prosecution tells jury. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of Mr Saunders at Nassau Avenue, Cabra West on March 18, 2014; assaulting Mr Saunders causing him harm and to producing a golf club in the course of a dispute at the same date and location. Procedural stage: trial

When:

March 18, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2015-12-01 Publication

Case subjects

Paul Brannigan

Accused

Charges: the manslaughter of Mr Saunders at Nassau Avenue, Cabra West on March 18, 2014; assaulting Mr Saunders causing him harm and to producing a golf club in the course of a dispute at the same date and location (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty