Case No. 1864Attempted murder · Co. Cork · 14 Jun 2023

Man sentenced for attempted murder at Grand Parade, Cork

Jason Butler, a 32-year-old man from Midleton, was slashed in the throat with a broken vodka bottle at Grand Parade, Cork, on 14 June 2023 and died at Cork University Hospital two days later. Aaron Babbington, 31, of no fixed abode, was arrested near the scene and initially charged with assault causing harm before being charged with murder in December 2023. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder at the Central Criminal Court in Cork in December 2024. In April 2025, Babbington was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the last two years suspended.

  1. Reported21 Jun
  2. Arrested15 Jun
  3. Charged16 Jun
    6 reports
  4. In court14 Jun
    14 reports
  5. Convicted12 Dec
    2 reports
  6. Sentenced11 Apr
    2 reports
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Jason Butler, 32, was slashed in the throat with a broken vodka bottle at Grand Parade, Cork, on 14 June 2023 and died at Cork University Hospital on 16 June 2023.
Where
The attack took place at Grand Parade, near Daunt Square, in Cork city centre.
When
The incident occurred at approximately 7.30pm on Wednesday 14 June 2023.
Weapon
A broken vodka bottle was used to slash Butler's throat.
Cause
The post-mortem found the cause of death was a hypoxic ischemic brain injury with alcohol and mixed drug intoxication and sharp force injury to the face and neck.
Investigation
Gardaí arrested Aaron Babbington near the scene shortly after the incident, and the attack was captured on CCTV.
Charges
Babbington was initially charged with assault causing harm on 16 June 2023, then charged with murder on 5 December 2023, and pleaded guilty to attempted murder in December 2024.
In court
Babbington was remanded in custody throughout the proceedings and the DPP directed trial at the Central Criminal Court in Cork.
Sentence
In April 2025, Babbington was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the last two years suspended at the Central Criminal Court in Cork.
Other details
  • Babbington, 31, of no fixed abode, formerly of Churchfield, Cork, has 143 previous convictions mainly for drug possession and public disorder offences.
  • Butler was from Castleredmond in Midleton, Co Cork, and had been living at SVP Deerpark House in Friar's Walk, Cork.
  • The judge described the attack as entirely unprovoked, and Babbington apologised to the Butler family through his barrister.
259 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe victim is a 32-year-old homeless man. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe victim remains in a critical but stable condition in intensive care at Cork University Hospital. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatA man in his 20s has been charged in connection with a serious assault on Grand Parade, Cork. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whatThe victim suffered a stab wound to the neck. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whatJason Butler, 32, died of his injuries at Cork University Hospital. (rte.ie)
  • whatMr Butler was stabbed and critically injured. (rte.ie)
  • whatJason Butler was stabbed in Cork city and has died in hospital. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatWitnesses reportedly saw several people assaulting Mr Butler. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMr Butler was in the company of the accused and the accused's partner before the attack. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatJason Butler died in hospital. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whatJason Butler suffered stab wounds to the neck. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whatGardaí are now treating the death of a 32-year-old man as murder following a stabbing in Cork city centre. (rte.ie)
  • whatA 32-year-old man died after being stabbed in the neck in Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatJason Butler was killed after being stabbed in Cork city centre. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whatJason Butler, 32, was stabbed in the neck and later died of his injuries. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whatThe article reports a fatal assault. (extra.ie)
  • whatButler died in hospital two days after the attack. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatAaron Babbington was charged with the murder of Jason Butler. (corkbeo.ie, irishmirror.ie)
  • whatJason Butler died in Cork University Hospital on June 16th. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatA 32-year-old man died after a bottle attack in Cork city centre. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whatJason Butler was allegedly slashed in the throat at Grand Parade in Cork. (rte.ie)
  • whatAaron Babbington, 31, pleaded guilty to attempted murder at the Central Criminal Court in Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBabbington had been charged with the murder of Jason Butler, 32, on 14 June 2023 at Grand Parade, Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatButler was slashed in the throat during the incident. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatButler died two days later on 16 June 2023 in Cork University Hospital. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBabbington slashed the throat of Jason Butler, who later died in hospital. (rte.ie)
  • whatBabbington hit his girlfriend twice in the face and then slashed the throat of a 32-year-old man (irishtimes.com)
  • whatAaron Babbington is 31 and of no fixed abode (irishtimes.com)
  • whatButler died at Cork University Hospital two days after the incident (irishtimes.com)
  • whatButler was predeceased by his parents and three of his six siblings (irishtimes.com)
  • whatThe trio were sharing a bottle of vodka (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBabbington hit his girlfriend twice in the face and kicked Butler in the head (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBabbington picked up the vodka bottle, drank its remaining contents, and attempted to smash it against the Argos building nine times unsuccessfully (irishtimes.com)
  • whatButler fell to the ground and was unable to regain his feet (irishtimes.com)
  • whatBabbington hailed from a dysfunctional family background and wanted to address his addiction issues (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe fatal assault occurred on Grand Parade in Cork City. (garda.ie, corkbeo.ie)
  • whereThe assault happened near the Daunt Square end of the Grand Parade in Cork city centre. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assault happened on Grand Parade in Cork city. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whereThe stabbing happened on Grand Parade in Cork. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereMr Butler was drinking on the Grand Parade in Cork when the incident happened. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe stabbing happened on Grand Parade in Cork city centre. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe attack happened at Grand Parade in Cork city centre. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whereThe assault happened at the Grand Parade in Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe assault took place in Cork city centre. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred on the Grand Parade. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe man was attacked on the Grand Parade in Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereHe was stabbed on Grand Parade. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whereButler was stabbed in Cork city centre. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe stabbing happened on Grand Parade on Wednesday, 14 June. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe incident happened on Grand Parade in Cork city. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe incident occurred on Grand Parade in Cork city centre. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe attack happened on the Grand Parade in Cork. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe attack happened on the Grand Parade in Cork city centre. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whereThe incident happened at the Grand Parade, Cork. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe attack happened on Grand Parade in Cork. (corkbeo.ie, irishmirror.ie)
  • whereThe attempted murder took place at Grand Parade in Cork. (rte.ie)
  • whereButler was originally from Midleton in East Cork but had been living in Cork city. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe incident took place at Grand Parade in Cork city (irishtimes.com)
  • whereButler was from Castleredmond in Midleton, Co Cork (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThey sat down together on a bench at nearby Daunt Square (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe assault occurred on the Wednesday evening of 14 June 2023. (garda.ie)
  • whenThe assault happened at around 7.45pm on a Wednesday. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe assault happened on Wednesday 14 June 2023. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenThe stabbing happened at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, 14 June 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe stabbing happened on Wednesday evening in Cork city centre. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe attack happened on 14 June 2023 at 7.38pm. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened on 14 June 2023 at 7.38pm. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened at 7.38pm on 14 June 2023. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe assault happened shortly after 7.30 pm on Wednesday. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenThe stabbing happened on the Wednesday evening. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened at around 7.40pm. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe victim's condition deteriorated in the early hours of Friday and he died around 1pm. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenHe died around lunchtime on Friday 16 June. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenButler died around lunchtime on Friday, 16 June. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe assault occurred on the evening of Wednesday 14 June 2023. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenJason Butler died on Friday 16 June 2023. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred shortly after 7.30pm on 14 June 2023. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenJason Butler was killed on 14 June at Grand Parade in Cork city centre. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place on June 14. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenJason Butler died at Cork University Hospital on June 16. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe attack happened on 14 June 2023. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenJason Butler was attacked on 14 June 2023. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenJason Butler died two days after the attack. (corkbeo.ie)
  • whenThe attack on Jason Butler occurred two days before his death. (irishmirror.ie)
  • whenThe attempted murder took place on 14 June 2023. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred at about 7.30pm on 14 June 2023 when Grand Parade was busy. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe attempted murder took place on 14 June 2023 at Grand Parade in Cork city. (rte.ie)
  • whenMr Butler died at Cork University Hospital two days after the incident. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred on 14 June 2023 (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe three met by a shop on Grand Parade at about 7pm (irishtimes.com)
  • causeA row broke out when one of the men returned to the area after buying drink in a nearby off-licence. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeA man was stabbed in the neck. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeA row broke out before Mr Butler was stabbed. (rte.ie)
  • causeJason Butler was assaulted with a broken bottle. (corkbeo.ie)
  • causeMr Butler was stabbed during a row on the Grand Parade. (rte.ie)
  • causeButler died after receiving a stab wound to the neck. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeJason Butler was stabbed in the neck. (corkbeo.ie)
  • causeButler suffered severe injuries following an alleged bottle attack. (thejournal.ie)
  • causeJason Butler died following an alleged bottle attack in Cork city centre. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeJason Butler died after a bottle attack. (corkbeo.ie)
  • causeThe post-mortem gave the cause of death as a brain injury with alcohol and mixed drug intoxication and sharp force injury to the face and neck. (corkbeo.ie)
  • causeThe post-mortem found the cause of death was a hypoxic ischemic brain injury with alcohol and mixed drug intoxication and sharp force injury to the face and neck. (irishmirror.ie)
  • causeThe State Pathologist found Butler died from a hypoxic ischemic brain injury due to an out-of-hospital cardiac event and alcohol/mixed drug intoxication, as well as a sharp force injury to the face and neck. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe judge said Mr Butler died following sharp force injury while intoxicated. (rte.ie)
  • weaponThe other man slit the victim's throat with a bottle. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponButler was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. (thejournal.ie)
  • weaponThe victim was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. (corkbeo.ie)
  • weaponMr Butler was allegedly stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponThe weapon was a broken bottle. (corkbeo.ie)
  • weaponGardaí recovered a broken bottle at the scene, which was sent for forensic examination. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponHe received a stab wound to the neck. (corkbeo.ie)
  • weaponJason Butler was slashed with a bottle. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponJason Butler was stabbed with a broken bottle. (corkbeo.ie)
  • weaponJason Butler was attacked with a bottle. (irishmirror.ie)
  • weaponBabbington used a broken vodka bottle in the attack. (rte.ie)
  • investigationGardaí arrested a man in his 20s in connection with the assault. (garda.ie)
  • investigationGardaí at the Bridewell are renewing their appeal to the public for assistance. (garda.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are asking for witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact them. (garda.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are asking road users and pedestrians with camera footage from the area to make it available. (garda.ie)
  • investigationGardaí arrested a 29-year-old suspect from the Churchfield area of Cork city. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí began harvesting CCTV footage from the surrounding area. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. (irishtimes.com, corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí sealed off the scene and forensic investigators examined it. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationCCTV was taken and an appeal for witnesses is ongoing. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí arrested a man in his early 20s. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are appealing for camera or dashcam footage and for witnesses. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA man arrested on the Grand Parade was questioned at the Bridewell Garda Station. (rte.ie)
  • investigationGardaí arrested Babbington close to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationGardaí arrested the accused close to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí say the accused can be identified on CCTV at the incident. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationThe incident was captured on CCTV. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationA number of witnesses have made statements to gardaí. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí requested the services of the State Pathologist's Office. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí confirmed that Jason Butler had died. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationThe scene on Grand Parade was cordoned off and preserved for forensic investigations. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationA post-mortem examination was carried out by the State Pathologist. (rte.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are not making the post-mortem results public for operational reasons. (rte.ie)
  • investigationThe investigating team is treating Mr Butler's death as murder based on preliminary post-mortem results. (rte.ie)
  • investigationThe State Pathologist carried out a postmortem on the victim. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí were expected to formally open a murder investigation after the postmortem results. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationA man was arrested in connection with the incident. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are asking the public to come forward as they continue to investigate the assault. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are appealing for any witnesses who have not yet come forward. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí asked road users and pedestrians with camera or dashcam footage from the Grand Parade/Daunt Square area between 7.15pm and 8pm on 14 June 2023 to make it available. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationA man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the assault. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are appealing for witnesses. (extra.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said CCTV footage captured the incident and several people saw Babbington assaulting Butler. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationDetective Garda Pat Russell arrested and charged Mr Babington at the courthouse at 10.24am on 5 December 2023. (rte.ie)
  • investigationA Garda gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution. (irishmirror.ie)
  • investigationA detective garda gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution. (corkbeo.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe inquest has been adjourned because criminal proceedings are ongoing. (corkbeo.ie)
  • investigationBabbington made no reply when the murder charge was put to him under caution. (rte.ie)
  • investigationDet Garda Pat Russell arrested Babbington and charged him at Cork District Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationThe entirety of the incident was captured on CCTV. (rte.ie)
  • chargeThe arrested man has been charged. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeAaron Babington was brought before the court charged with assault causing harm to Mr Butler. (rte.ie)
  • chargeMr Babington made no reply when charged. (rte.ie)
  • chargeBabbington was charged with assault causing harm to Butler at Grand Parade. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeThe accused was charged with assault causing harm. (corkbeo.ie)
  • chargeAaron Babington was charged with assault causing harm to Jason Butler. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeA man is before the courts charged with assault causing harm. (corkbeo.ie)
  • chargeAaron Babington was charged with assault causing harm to Mr Butler. (rte.ie)
  • chargeA 29-year-old man was charged with assault causing harm to the victim. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeBabbington appeared before Cork District Court on 16 June 2023 charged with assault causing harm to Butler. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeAaron Babington, 29, has been charged with the murder of Jason Butler. (rte.ie)
  • chargeAaron Babbington was charged with murder. (irishmirror.ie)
  • chargeAaron Babington was charged with the murder of Jason Butler. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeBabington made no reply when the charge was put to him. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeBabbington has pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted murder in the same case. (rte.ie)
  • chargeBabbington was charged with the murder of Jason Butler at common law. (rte.ie)
  • chargeBabbington pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Jason Butler. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe arrested man has appeared before Cork District Court. (garda.ie)
  • courtThe accused was scheduled to appear before Cork District Court on Friday 16 June 2023. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtThe suspect is due to appear before Cork District Court on Friday, 16 June 2023. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtGardaí objected to bail. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Olann Kelleher remanded Mr Babington in custody. (rte.ie)
  • courtMr Babington is due back before the court next Thursday. (rte.ie)
  • courtBabbington appeared before Cork District Court, where gardaí objected to bail. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtJudge Olann Kelleher remanded Babbington in custody until 22 June. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe accused appeared before Cork District Court. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtThe accused was denied bail. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtThe accused was remanded in custody until 22 June. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtBail was refused and the accused was remanded to appear in court again on 22 June by video link. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Babington is due back before the court the following Thursday. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe man was remanded in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on June 22nd. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtA man was arrested in connection with the incident and is before the courts. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtThe arrested man is currently before the courts. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe man arrested in connection with the assault has appeared before Cork District Court. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtGardaí applied for a further remand in custody to obtain DPP directions. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtJudge John King remanded Babbington in custody until 30 August. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtBail was refused in the case. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtAaron Babington appeared before Cork District Court. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe Director of Public Prosecutions directed that Mr Babington be sent forward for trial on indictment or consent on a signed guilty plea. (rte.ie)
  • courtJudge Dorgan remanded Mr Babington in custody until 12 December. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe DPP directed trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court. (irishmirror.ie, corkbeo.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe DPP consented to the accused going forward on a signed plea of guilty. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe accused was remanded in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on December 12. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtBabbington appeared before Cork District Court. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtThe DPP consented to the accused going forward to the Central Criminal Court on a signed plea of guilty. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtBabbington was remanded in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on 12 December. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtThe prosecution applied for a week-long remand. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe defence solicitor acknowledged the client had no right to bail on a murder charge in the District Court and consented to the remand. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBabington was remanded in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on December 12th by video link. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case against the accused was adjourned pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. (corkbeo.ie)
  • courtAaron Babbington appeared before Cork District Court. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtThe inquest has been adjourned while criminal proceedings continue. (irishmirror.ie)
  • courtAaron Babbington appeared before the Central Criminal Court in Cork and pleaded guilty. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe prosecution said the murder trial, set for 13 January 2025, could now be vacated. (rte.ie)
  • courtA victim impact statement from the family of the deceased will be required. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe defence applied for a probation report to be prepared before sentencing. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned for mention on 20 January, and sentencing may be further adjourned. (rte.ie)
  • courtDefence counsel Tom Creed SC applied for a probation report in advance of sentencing. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMr Justice Paul Burns adjourned the case until 20 January 2025 at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin for mention. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe Director of Public Prosecutions accepted a plea of attempted murder. (rte.ie)
  • courtA victim impact statement was handed into court on behalf of the Butler family but was not read out (irishtimes.com)
  • courtBabbington apologised to the Butler family via his barrister Tom Creed (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe case was heard at Cork Central Criminal Court before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceBabbington was jailed for 10 years with the last two years suspended. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • otherJason Butler died from his injuries on 16 June 2023. (garda.ie)
  • otherThe suspect was detained under the Criminal Justice Act and questioning was suspended overnight. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe victim underwent emergency surgery and remains in hospital. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherThe victim is fighting for his life in hospital. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherThe victim is in a critical condition at Cork University Hospital. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe suspect is known to gardaí and has a previous conviction related to carrying a knife. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherGardaí confirmed in a statement that Mr Butler had died from his injuries. (rte.ie)
  • otherA post-mortem examination was due to be carried out by State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis. (rte.ie)
  • otherMr Butler was unemployed and lived at Deerpark House in Friar's Walk in Cork. (rte.ie)
  • otherButler was 32 years old and was treated in Cork University Hospital. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe victim remains in a critical condition at Cork University Hospital. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherGardaí said the accused had a serious alcohol addiction. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherMr Butler was in critical condition at Cork University Hospital. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMr Butler died at Cork University Hospital around 1pm. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherJason Butler was rushed to CUH in critical condition. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherMr Butler died at Cork University Hospital the day after the stabbing. (rte.ie)
  • otherMr Butler was originally from Midleton in east Cork. (rte.ie)
  • otherMr Butler was unemployed and lived at Deerpark House in Friar's Walk, Cork. (rte.ie)
  • otherHe had been living in a St Vincent de Paul residence in Cork city. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherHe had six siblings, three of whom died over a decade ago. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherHis parents had also died over a decade ago. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherButler was transferred to CUH in a critical condition. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherButler had been living in a St Vincent de Paul residence in Cork city. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThree of Butler's brothers died over a decade ago. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe victim is described as a Cork native. (extra.ie)
  • otherMr Babington made no reply when cautioned. (rte.ie)
  • otherJudge Dorgan granted an application for free legal aid for Mr Babington's solicitor, Frank Buttimer. (rte.ie)
  • otherAaron Babington is from Churchfield Avenue, Churchfield, Cork. (rte.ie)
  • otherJason Butler had been the alleged victim of a bottle attack two days before his death. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherThe accused made no reply to the charge when it was put to him under caution. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherJason Butler was living at SVP Deerpark House Hotel in Friars Walk, Cork, when he died. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherJason Butler died at Cork University Hospital on 16 June 2023. (corkbeo.ie, irishmirror.ie, rte.ie)
  • otherBabbington made no reply to the charge when it was put to him under caution. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherBail cannot be granted at district court level for a murder charge. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherJason Butler was living at SVP Deerpark House Hotel in Cork at the time of his death. (corkbeo.ie)
  • otherA man has been before the courts in relation to the death. (irishmirror.ie)
  • otherBabbington made no reply to the murder charge when asked after being charged and cautioned. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe judge described the attack as entirely unprovoked. (rte.ie)
  • otherA victim impact statement from the Butler family was handed in but not read out in court. (rte.ie)
  • otherBabbington apologised to the victim's family through his barrister. (rte.ie)
  • otherBabbington has 143 previous convictions, mainly for drug possession and public disorder offences. (rte.ie, irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 11 Apr2025
    Man guilty of attempted murder after slashing throat with smashed vodka bottle

    Sentencing report detailing the 10-year sentence (two years suspended), the 143 previous convictions, the CCTV evidence, and the victim impact statement from the Butler family.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butlerconvicted, Aaron Babbington, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbington
  2. 11 Apr2025
    Eight-year jail term for attempted murder of man in Cork

    Sentencing report. Adds the judge's remarks, a 10-year sentence with the last two years suspended, the victim impact statement (not read out in court), Babbington's apology via his barrister, and his 143 previous convictions. It also gives the cause of death as sharp force injury while intoxicated, and says the attack was entirely unprovoked.

    convicted, Aaron Babbington, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbingtonvictim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  3. 12 Dec2024
    Man pleads guilty to attempted murder of man he ‘slashed in throat’ in Cork city last year

    Babbington's murder charge was reduced to attempted murder, to which he pleaded guilty. The case was adjourned to January 2025 for mention at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin, with a probation report and victim impact statement to be prepared.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butlerconvicted, Aaron Babbington, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbington
  4. 12 Dec2024
    Man pleads guilty to attempted murder in Cork

    Reports the guilty plea to attempted murder, the likely vacating of the murder trial due to start 13 January 2025, the request for a victim impact statement and a probation report, and the adjournment of sentencing.

    convicted, Aaron Babbington, 31, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbingtonvictim, Jason Butler, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  5. 18 Jan2024
    Bottle attack victim died due to brain injury, sharp force trauma & intoxication

    Reports the inquest into Jason Butler's death, the post-mortem cause of death, and that Aaron Babbington has been charged with his murder.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, Aaron Babbington, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbington
  6. 18 Jan2024
    Bottle attack victim died of brain injury, sharp force injury and intoxication

    Inquest report giving the cause of death (brain injury, intoxication and sharp force injury), the date of death, and that Aaron Babbington was charged with murder and has appeared in Cork District Court. Not matched to an existing case.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, Aaron Babbington, 30, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbington
  7. 5 Dec2023
    Man remanded in custody charged with murder of man in Cork earlier this year

    Reports Babington's charge with murder, his remand in custody, and the DPP's direction for trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court.

    accused, Aaron Babington, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babingtonvictim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  8. 5 Dec2023
    Corkman charged with murder of Jason Butler in city centre bottle attack

    First report on the murder charge against Aaron Babbington, who appeared at Cork District Court. The DPP has directed trial at the Central Criminal Court on a signed plea of guilty, and he was remanded in custody.

    accused, Aaron Babbington, 30, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbingtonvictim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  9. 5 Dec2023
    Man charged with murder of Cork man who died after alleged bottle attack in Cork

    Reports that Aaron Babbington, 30, of Churchfield Avenue, was charged with murder, remanded in custody and sent for trial at the Central Criminal Court on a signed plea of guilty. Adds the charge details, the court process and the victim's death at Cork University Hospital on June 16.

    accused, Aaron Babbington, 30, male, namedAaron Babbingtonvictim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  10. 5 Dec2023
    Man charged with murder of Jason Butler in Cork city

    Reports the arrest and charging of Aaron Babington at Cork District Court on 5 December 2023, the Director of Public Prosecutions' direction for trial on indictment, his remand in custody until 12 December, and the grant of free legal aid. Gives his age as 29.

    accused, Aaron Babington, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babingtonvictim, Jason Butler, 32, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  11. 16 Aug2023
    DPP directions awaited in case where man died after suffering injuries in alleged bottle attack

    Reports that gardaí are awaiting DPP directions, that Sergeant Gearoid Davis sought a further remand in custody, that Judge John King remanded Babbington in custody to 30 August, that bail was refused, and that Babbington is aged 29.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, Aaron Babbington, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbington
  12. 21 Jun2023
    Gardai Appealing For Witnesses Following Fatal Assault Of Cork Native Jason Butler

    Headline only; the article body is unfilled template text. It adds a witness appeal about the fatal assault of Jason Butler, and gives no date, location, suspect or arrest.

    victim, Jason Butler, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  13. 21 Jun2023
    Gardaí renew appeal for witnesses to fatal Cork city assault

    Gardaí renewed their appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage. A man in his 20s was arrested and appeared before Cork District Court. Jason Butler died on 16 June 2023.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butlersuspect, 20s, male
  14. 20 Jun2023
    Cork stabbing victim tragically lost parents and siblings in years before death

    Adds family background (lost parents and three brothers), that Butler was living in a St Vincent de Paul residence, that he died around lunchtime on 16 June, and that the arrested man is before the courts. Also reports family tributes.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused
  15. 19 Jun2023
    Cork stabbing victim had lost both parents and three siblings in years gone by

    Tribute and background piece on the victim. It adds that he was stabbed with a wound to the neck on Grand Parade, that he died on Friday 16 June, that a man was arrested and is before the courts, and details of his family and recent housing.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butlersuspect, male
  16. 17 Jun2023
    Gardaí expected to open a murder investigation after post-mortem concludes on Cork stabbing victim

    Adds that gardaí were expected to open a murder investigation after the State Pathologist's postmortem, that the victim died on Friday after deteriorating in hospital, that a broken bottle was recovered at the scene, and that a 29-year-old man was charged with assault causing harm and remanded in custody to Cork District Court on 22 June.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, 29, male
  17. 17 Jun2023
    Gardaí treating fatal stabbing in Cork as murder

    Gardaí now treat the death as murder, based on preliminary post-mortem results. Babington was charged with assault causing harm to Mr Butler, remanded in custody, and is due back in court the following Thursday. Mr Butler was originally from Midleton and lived at Deerpark House, Cork.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, Aaron Babington, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babington
  18. 16 Jun2023
    Man stabbed in Cork city centre assault has died in hospital

    Reports that Jason Butler has died in hospital, so the assault charge now relates to a death. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and camera footage.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, male
  19. 16 Jun2023
    Man (32) dies following bottle attack in Cork as man (29) remanded in custody

    Reports the charge against Aaron Babington at Cork District Court on Friday 16 June 2023, the refusal of bail and the remand to 22 June, and that Jason Butler died at Cork University Hospital around 1pm.

    accused, Aaron Babington, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babingtonvictim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  20. 16 Jun2023
    Man accused of Cork city stabbing named in court as victim remains critical

    Court appearance on 16 June 2023 at Cork District Court: the accused is charged with assault causing harm, denied bail and remanded in custody until 22 June. The article gives his age as 29 and says the stabbing was with a broken bottle in the neck.

    accused, Aaron Babbington, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbingtonvictim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butler
  21. 16 Jun2023
    Man who was stabbed in Cork city on Wednesday has died

    Reports that Jason Butler, 32, has died of his injuries and that Babbington was charged with assault causing harm, appeared at Cork District Court and was remanded in custody after gardaí objected to bail.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, Aaron Babbington, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babbington
  22. 16 Jun2023
    Man dies in hospital following stabbing in Cork

    Reports that Mr Butler has died and that Aaron Babington, 29, was charged with assault causing harm, brought before court and remanded in custody. The charge is assault causing harm, not murder, and the article gives no further detail on the injuries.

    victim, Jason Butler, 32, male, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, Aaron Babington, 29, male, named, irish (judged from name)Aaron Babington
  23. 16 Jun2023
    Man charged following stabbing incident in Cork which left man fighting for life

    Reports the arrest and charge of a man in his early 20s, his scheduled court appearance, a Garda appeal for footage, and that the suspect is known to gardaí with a previous knife-related conviction. No existing case covers this Grand Parade stabbing.

    victim, 20s, maleaccused, early 20s, male
  24. 16 Jun2023
    Man, 20s, charged in relation to attack on Grand Parade that left man critical

    Reports that the man in his 20s was charged and was due before Cork District Court on Friday 16 June 2023, and that the victim is fighting for his life in CUH.

    victim, maleaccused, 20s, male
  25. 15 Jun2023
    Gardaí renew appeal for information after man’s throat slit in Cork city

    Adds that the victim is 32, the suspect is 29 and was arrested near the scene, that the victim is in a critical but stable condition, and that Gardaí have renewed their appeal for witnesses and CCTV. No charge is reported in this article.

    victim, 32, malesuspect, 29, male
  26. 14 Jun2023
    Renewed Appeal - Fatal Assault at Grand Parade, Cork 14th June, 2023

    Gardaí press release renewing the appeal for the fatal assault. It confirms Jason Butler died on 16 June, that a man (20s) was arrested and appeared before Cork District Court, and gives a footage appeal for 7.15pm to 8pm. It describes the victim as in his 20s, which differs from the 32 given in other reports.

    victim, Jason Butler, 20s, irish (judged from name)Jason Butleraccused, 20s, male