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. 5552Assault · Co. Westmeath · 30 Dec 2020

Man pleads guilty to stabbing gaming friend in Moate, Co Westmeath

William Cuffe, 49, stabbed Rory Fagan three times in Moate, Co Westmeath, on December 30th, 2020, after an online argument about the recording of Covid-19 deaths turned violent. Fagan bled heavily, made his way to his girlfriend's home and was then taken to hospital by ambulance. Cuffe pleaded guilty to assault in connection with the knife attack at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, as reported on July 2nd, 2024. The judge adjourned sentencing until November pending a victim medical report and a probation report, which is the latest development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Convicted2 Jul
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
William Cuffe stabbed Rory Fagan three times, puncturing his right chest, upper abdomen and lower back.
Where
The stabbing happened in Moate, Co Westmeath, after Fagan drove to Cuffe's home in Slieve Rua.
When
The incident happened on December 30th, 2020.
Cause
The dispute began as an online argument between two video game players about the recording of Covid-19 deaths, and a verbal disagreement turned violent.
Weapon
Cuffe said he had a knife as a deterrent.
Charges
  • Cuffe pleaded guilty to assault in connection with the knife attack.
  • Fagan is facing public order charges before the District Court over the incident.
In court
The case was heard at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court.
Sentence
The judge adjourned sentencing until November, pending a victim medical report and a probation report.
Other details
  • Fagan bled heavily and made his way to his girlfriend's home before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
  • Cuffe has no prior convictions and is on bail.
  • Garda Hayley Foley told the court that the two men had discussed the coronavirus online and had a disagreement over figures and how deaths are recorded.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatCuffe stabbed Fagan three times, puncturing his right chest, upper abdomen and lower back. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe stabbing happened in Moate, Co Westmeath. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe incident happened on December 30th, 2020. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe dispute between the two men began as an online argument about the recording of Covid-19 deaths. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponCuffe said he had a knife as a deterrent. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeCuffe pleaded guilty to assault in connection with the knife attack. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was heard at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe judge adjourned sentencing until November. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherFagan bled heavily and made his way to his girlfriend's home before being taken to hospital by ambulance. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherCuffe has no prior convictions. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherFagan is facing public order charges before the District Court over the incident. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Jul2024
    Convictedirishtimes.com, first report
    Man stabbed gamer friend during row over recording of Covid-19 deaths, court hears

    First report of the court hearing: Cuffe pleaded guilty to assault, and the judge adjourned sentencing until November pending a victim medical report and a probation report.

    convicted, William Cuffe, 49, male, named, irish (judged from name)William Cuffevictim, Rory Fagan, male, irish (judged from name)Rory Fagan