DUBLIN, Ireland – A prosecution barrister has described a horrific and brutal machete attack on an elderly man as an intentional act that should lead to a murder conviction for the accused. The closing speech was delivered during the trial of Patrick McDonagh, who admits to killing but denies the charge of murder. The accused is facing charges for the murder of his neighbor, Peter McDonald, in Dublin.
The prosecution barrister pointed out several slash, chop, and stab wounds inflicted with a machete and knife, which, he argued, proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intended to cause serious harm or death. However, the defense argued that evidence from a psychiatrist and Mr. McDonagh’s erratic behavior indicated that he was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the incident.
During the trial, the State Pathologist provided expert testimony, describing the victim’s injuries as sustained and severe, ultimately leading to his death. The nature and extent of the injuries were cited as evidence of Mr. McDonagh’s lethal intentions, consequently leading to the prosecution’s plea for a murder conviction.
The defense countered these claims by presenting evidence of Mr. McDonagh’s lengthy psychiatric history, with multiple diagnoses of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. They argued that his erratic and bizarre behavior, witnessed by neighbors, was indicative of a long-standing mental health condition, rather than a planned and deliberate attack.
As the trial came to a close, the jury was asked to consider the evidence carefully and weigh the prosecution’s argument for murder against the defense’s plea for manslaughter. The judge is expected to deliver instructions to the jury on the case.
The defense’s final arguments maintained that Mr. McDonagh’s actions were consistent with someone not in their right mind, or as an expert witness put it, operating under a mental disorder substantial enough to diminish his responsibility. Ultimately, the evidence presented was declared more consistent with a plea of manslaughter than murder.