Courts / Dublin / Report
Blow to chest had to occur within a "30 millisecond window", manslaughter trial hears
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Paul Brannigan, aged 24, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, assault, and possession of a golf club in the death of Jason Saunders on 18 March 2014. Chief State Pathologist Marie Cassidy testified that Saunders died from commotio cordis, a lethal heart rhythm disruption caused by a blow to the chest over the heart within a 30‑millisecond window of the cardiac cycle. Cassidy described bruising and a rib fracture likely from a golf club strike. She noted that the fatal blow must occur at a precise moment, otherwise it would not be fatal. Defence counsel challenged the consistency of the evidence, arguing that Saunders' movements before collapse were inconsistent with typical commotio cordis cases. The trial continues before Judge Patrick McCartan and a twelve‑person jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Blow to chest had to occur within a "30 millisecond window", manslaughter trial hears. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of Jason Saunders at Fassaugh 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
- 2015-12-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the manslaughter of Jason Saunders at Fassaugh 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
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Fassaugh Avenue
- Fassaugh Avenue
- Mater Hospital
Topics
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