Courts / Dublin / Report
Man (63) accused of assaulting sister during will dispute has charge dismissed
Summary
A 63-year-old man, Michael Donnelly, accused of assaulting his sister during a will dispute had the charge against him dismissed after CCTV footage contradicted key parts of the complainant's account. Donnelly had pleaded not guilty to a Section 2 assault at Woodley Park in 2024. The court heard that the complainant and another sibling arrived at their late mother's house, where Donnelly was living, seeking access to the property. Mobile phone and doorbell footage showed the complainant and another sibling at the doorway filming Donnelly during a heated exchange. The complainant claimed her wrist was struck and that she had difficulty moving her hand. However, the footage showed the phone was in her left hand when it was struck away. The defense highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant's account, noting that she referred to her right hand being struck. Judge Anne Watkin noted the inconsistency between the medical report and the footage and accepted the credibility concerns raised by the defense. She concluded that the charge could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed it.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man (63) accused of assaulting sister during will dispute has charge dismissed. Charges or matters: a Section 2 assault on his sister at Woodley Park on 24 June, 2024. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 24 June Incident
- 2026-02-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: a Section 2 assault on his sister at Woodley Park on 24 June, 2024 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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