Ireland Murder trial of Martin Hayes over death of Amadea McDermott in Coolock, Dublin
Martin Hayes (34), of Poddle Close, Crumlin, Dublin, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Amadea McDermott (27), a mother of two, at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, on or about 20 July 2017, and has pleaded not guilty. The trial is before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eight men and four women. Mr Hayes told a garda that he and Ms McDermott had argued after drinking vodka and taking cocaine, and that he later found her with a puncture wound to the abdomen. The latest reported development, on 24 October 2023, is that a former partner, Niamh Higgins, told the jury that Mr Hayes said he had helped Ms McDermott put a knife through her stomach, which the defence said the accused did not accept he had said.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court24 Oct
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Martin Hayes has pleaded not guilty to murdering Amadea McDermott at her home.
- Mr Hayes said he heard a rumbling sound and found Ms McDermott with a puncture wound to the abdomen.
- Where
- The alleged murder took place at Ms McDermott's home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin.
- When
- The alleged murder took place on or about 20 July 2017.
- Cause
- Mr Hayes told a garda that he and Ms McDermott had argued after drinking vodka and taking cocaine.
- Weapon
- Mr Hayes told a garda that Ms McDermott came into a bedroom with a knife and said she was going to kill herself.
- Investigation
- Garda Jason Flynn gave evidence of the account Mr Hayes gave him.
- In court
- The case is being heard by a Central Criminal Court jury before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, with eight men and four women on the jury.
- Other details
- Niamh Higgins, a former partner of Mr Hayes, told the jury that he said he had helped Ms McDermott put a knife through her stomach.
- Sources differ on Ms Higgins's relationship to Mr Hayes: one describes her as a former partner, while the headline and one report describe the witness as a subsequent or new girlfriend.
- The defence said the accused absolutely did not accept that he had made such a confession.
- Mr Hayes was working as a grave digger at Mount Jerome cemetery at the time of Ms McDermott's death.
11 statements extracted from the articles
- whatMartin Hayes has pleaded not guilty to murdering Amadea McDermott at her home. (irishtimes.com)
- whatMr Hayes said he found Ms McDermott with a puncture wound to the abdomen. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe alleged murder took place at Ms McDermott's home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe alleged murder took place on or about 20 July 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case is being heard by a Central Criminal Court jury. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe trial will continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eight men and four women. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr Hayes told a garda that he and Ms McDermott had argued after drinking vodka and taking cocaine. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr Hayes told the witness that Ms McDermott came into a bedroom with a knife and said she was going to kill herself. (irishtimes.com)
- otherA former partner told the jury that Mr Hayes said he had helped Ms McDermott put a knife through her stomach. (irishtimes.com)
- otherThe defence said the accused absolutely did not accept that he had made such a confession. (irishtimes.com)
- otherMr Hayes was working as a grave digger at Mount Jerome cemetery at the time of Ms McDermott's death. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 24 Oct2023‘Abusive’ murder accused told new girlfriend he had ‘helped’ ex put knife through her stomach, witness tells trial
Trial report from the Central Criminal Court. The accused has pleaded not guilty. Evidence includes a garda's account of the accused's statement and testimony from a former partner, which the defence challenged under cross-examination.
accused, Martin Hayes, 34, male, named, irish (judged from name)Martin Hayesvictim, Amadea McDermott, 27, female, irish (judged from name)Amadea McDermott