Thursday 29 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. 7251Murder · Co. Dublin · 20 Jul 2017

Trial of Martin Hayes over murder of Amadea McDermott in Coolock

Martin Hayes, a 34-year-old man, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Amadea McDermott, a 27-year-old woman, who died at her home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin, on or about 20 July 2017. Mr Hayes told emergency services that Ms McDermott had stabbed herself, and he was invited to Coolock Garda station on 21 July 2017 to make a statement. In November 2019 gardaí received an email from the deceased's sister containing screenshots of text messages between Ms McDermott and Mr Hayes. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury was reported on 27 October 2023 and continues on the following Tuesday.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Oct
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Amadea McDermott, aged 27, died.
  • Martin Hayes, aged 34, with an address at Poddle Close, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is accused of her murder.
Where
The death happened at Ms McDermott's home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock, Dublin.
When
The death occurred on or about 20 July 2017.
Cause
Mr Hayes told emergency services that Ms McDermott had stabbed herself, while a woman who later went out with him said he told her he had helped Ms McDermott put a knife through her stomach.
Weapon
Mr Hayes said he grabbed a machete after Ms McDermott stood at the bedroom door with a knife.
Investigation
  • Mr Hayes was invited to Coolock Garda station on 21 July 2017 to make a statement.
  • In November 2019 gardaí received an email from the deceased's sister with screenshots of text messages between Ms McDermott and Mr Hayes.
Other details
  • The deceased's sister alleged that Mr Hayes had been physically abusive to Ms McDermott in the past.
  • A beauty therapist said Ms McDermott had bruises on her body when she came in for a spray tan on 14 July 2017.
  • Mr Hayes told a social worker he had found evidence on a phone that Ms McDermott was in an incestuous relationship with a relative, a claim the jury heard.
Charges
Mr Hayes has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms McDermott.
In court
The trial is before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury at the Central Criminal Court, was reported on 27 October 2023, and continues on the following Tuesday.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe death happened at Ms McDermott's home in Rathvale Drive, Ayrfield, Coolock. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe death occurred on or about 20 July 2017. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeThe accused told emergency services that Ms McDermott had self-harmed by stabbing herself. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeA woman who later went out with the accused said he told her he had helped Ms McDermott put a knife through her stomach. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponThe accused said he grabbed a machete after Ms McDermott stood at the bedroom door with a knife. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationMr Hayes was invited to Coolock Garda station on 21 July 2017 to make a statement. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationGardaí received an email in November 2019 from the deceased's sister with screenshots of text messages between Ms McDermott and the accused. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMartin Hayes has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms McDermott. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe trial is before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, and it continues on the following Tuesday. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe deceased's sister alleged that Mr Hayes had been physically abusive to Ms McDermott in the past. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherA beauty therapist said Ms McDermott had bruises on her body when she came in for a spray tan on 14 July 2017. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Oct2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Murder accused claimed to have found evidence partner was in incestuous relationship, jury hears

    Reports the first days of the Central Criminal Court trial, including the accused's statements to gardaí and a social worker, screenshots of text messages, and witness evidence about bruising and alleged past abuse.

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