Courts / Tipperary / Report

Deceased subject to a violent assault, State Pathologist tells murder trial

Date
2014-02-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Clonmel

Summary

In a Tipperary murder trial, the State Pathologist, Professor Marie Cassidy, testified that the deceased, Anthony Fallon, suffered 31 rib fractures and other severe injuries. She concluded that Fallon died from blunt force trauma to the head and trunk, with linear wounds on his face and head, extensive bruising, and haemorrhage to the brain. Internal examination revealed fractures to the breast bone, broken collar bone, and a litre of blood in the chest cavity. Cassidy described the chest injuries as likely causing respiratory insufficiency and severe incapacitation. She suggested the injuries were sustained close to where Fallon was found and that multiple assaults may have occurred. The State alleges that John Hannigan and Joseph O'Riordan assaulted Fallon at his flat, then in a car park, before he died at River House. O'Riordan has pleaded guilty to assault; the trial continues before a jury. John Hannigan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Deceased subject to a violent assault, State Pathologist tells murder trial. Charges or matters: murdering Anthony Fallon (46) in Clonmel on January 18, 2012; assault causing harm on Mr Fallon on the same date at Mr Fallon's flat on Abbey Street, Clonmel; assaulting Mr Fallon; murdering another man in the town. Procedural stage: trial

When:

January 18, 2012 Incident
2014-02-20 Publication

Why: She explained that he had six linear wounds to his face and head, as well as extensive bruising and grazing to his face. CNI source report

Case subjects

John Hannigan

Defendant

Charges: murdering Anthony Fallon (46) in Clonmel on January 18, 2012; assault causing harm on Mr Fallon on the same date at Mr Fallon's flat on Abbey Street, Clonmel; assaulting Mr Fallon (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Professor Marie Cassidy

Accused

Charges: murdering another man in the town; murdering Anthony Fallon (46) in Clonmel on January 18, 2012; assault causing harm on Mr Fallon on the same date at Mr Fallon's flat on Abbey Street, Clonmel; assaulting Mr Fallon (Alleged Or Contested)

State Pathologist

Accused