Paul Brannigan denies manslaughter as pathologists disagree

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Paul Brannigan has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Jason Saunders at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He has also pleaded not guilty to assaulting Saunders causing him harm and producing a golf club during a dispute. All three charges concern events at Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra West, on 18 March 2014.

On 3 December 2015, chief State pathologist Marie Cassidy told the jury that Saunders died from commotio cordis, a rare cause of death resulting from a blow to the chest. Retired assistant State pathologist Declan Gilsenan disputed her findings. Gilsenan said the death resulted from the combined effects of an argument and illegal drugs. The trial continued before Judge Patrick McCartan and a jury of six women and six men. The proceedings were reported on 5 December 2015.