Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 7118Manslaughter (verdict; charged with murder) · Co. Dublin · 20 Jul 2017

Grave digger Martin Hayes found guilty of manslaughter of partner Amadea McDermott

Amadea McDermott, a 27-year-old woman and mother of two, died from a single stab wound to her abdomen at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin, on or about 20 July 2017. Her partner, grave digger Martin Hayes, was charged with her murder and pleaded not guilty, and he told emergency services that she had stabbed herself. On 13 November 2023 a Central Criminal Court jury, by an 11-1 majority, found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Sentencing is set for 21 November 2023, and the judge remanded Hayes in custody until then.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted13 Nov
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Amadea McDermott, a 27-year-old woman and mother of two, died at her home, and her partner Martin Hayes, a grave digger, was charged with her murder.
Where
The death happened at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin.
When
The death took place on or about 20 July 2017.
Cause
Amadea McDermott died from a single stab wound to her abdomen.
Weapon
A knife was suspected of inflicting the fatal wound.
Investigation
  • The defence told the jury that no DNA from Hayes had been found on the suspected knife.
  • The defence said toxicology reports matched Hayes's account that both he and Amadea had taken cocaine and drunk vodka that night.
Other details
  • Hayes told emergency services that Amadea had stabbed herself, and in his own evidence he admitted using violence against her.
  • The trial heard that Hayes used a hidden app to access Amadea's phone.
Charges
Hayes was charged with murdering Amadea McDermott and pleaded not guilty.
In court
  • On 13 November 2023 the Central Criminal Court jury returned an 11-1 majority verdict of not guilty of murder and guilty of manslaughter.
  • The judge directed that if the jury accepted Hayes inflicted the fatal wound without intent to kill or cause serious harm, they should find him guilty of manslaughter.
Sentence
Sentencing is set for 21 November 2023, and the judge remanded Hayes in custody until then.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMartin Hayes was found not guilty of murdering Amadea McDermott but guilty of manslaughter. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereAmadea McDermott was killed at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe killing took place on or about 20 July 2017. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeAmadea McDermott died from a single stab wound to her abdomen. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponA knife was suspected of inflicting the fatal wound. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeHayes had pleaded not guilty to murdering Amadea McDermott. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe jury returned a majority verdict of 11-1. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceA sentence hearing is set for 21 November, and the judge remanded Hayes in custody until then. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherHayes told emergency services that Amadea had stabbed herself. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Nov2023
    Convictedirishtimes.com, first report
    Grave digger Martin Hayes found guilty of manslaughter but not guilty of murder

    Jury verdict in the trial of Martin Hayes: guilty of manslaughter, not guilty of murder, by an 11-1 majority. Sentencing is set for 21 November.

    victim, Amadea McDermott, 27, female, irish (judged from name)Amadea McDermottconvicted, Martin Hayes, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Hayes