'An appalling tragedy': Barman cleared of manslaughter following death of 60-year-old man

A Mayo-based barman has been found not guilty by a jury of the manslaughter of a 60-year-old man.

Vincent 'Jimmy' Connolly (28) of Cedar Hill, Westport was acquitted of the manslaughter of Peter McDermott following a four day trial in Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.

The jury of six men and six woman started their deliberations this morning (July 22) and after approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, they returned a not guilty verdict.

Mr Connolly, a native of Castleplunkett, Co Roscommon sobbed following the verdict and was comforted by family members.

He claimed he acted in self-defence when he struck Mr McDermott with a single punch to the face outside the Clock Tavern pub on High Street, Westport at 1.26am on September 9, 2023.

The trial heard that when Mr Connolly was leaving the Clock Tavern, he was knocked to the ground by Mr McDermott who was walking from the direction of Bridge Street. The jury was told that neither men knew each other and the attack was unprovoked.

Mr Connolly claimed that he feared that Mr McDermott was going to attack him again when he struck him in the face.

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Mr McDermott, a native of Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, suffered a brain injury following the fall and never regained consciousness. He was pronounced dead in Mayo University Hospital on September 10.

Following the verdict, Judge Eoin Garavan described what occurred as an tragedy for everyone involved. A number of Mr McDermott's extended family had been present for the verdict and throughout the trial.

Addressing them, Judge Eoin Garavan said that whatever happened that night did not reflect the Mr McDermott they knew who he described as a hardworking, decent and honourable gentleman.

“This was an appalling tragedy for which two families have been left bereft in different ways. I am sure the loss of Mr McDermott has left his decent, honourable family entirely bereft and I hope this brings closure to the family and people can move on. The condolences of the court go to the McDermott family,” he said.

Judge Garavan also thanked the jury for giving their time to the trial which he said revealed how these dreadful events can happen anywhere.

He told Mr Connolly that he was found to have acted in self-defence and used lawful force and there was no stain on his character.