Courts / Tipperary / Report

Murder accused described scene as like a "bloodbath", trial hears

Summary

In a 2014 trial, John Hannigan, 46, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Anthony Fallon, 46, in Clonmel on 18 January 2012. Hannigan testified that Joseph O'Riordan had assaulted Fallon in his flat, striking him on the head with a chair and later using a kettle and belt. Hannigan described the scene as a "bloodbath" and "horror show," noting a one‑inch gash and blood spurt. He claimed he only hit Fallon in the chest to break up a fight. The State's case alleges Hannigan and O'Riordan also assaulted Fallon in a car park and transported him to River House, where he died. A post‑mortem found 31 rib fractures and blunt force trauma to the head and trunk as the cause of death. O'Riordan, who pleaded guilty to assault, remains in jail. The case is before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury of eight men and three women.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused described scene as like a "bloodbath", trial hears. Charges or matters: murdering Anthony Fallon in Clonmel on January 18, 2012; assault causing harm on the 46-year-old on the same date at Mr Fallon's flat on Abbey Street in the town; assaulting Mr Fallon. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 18, 2012 Incident
• 2014-02-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report