A TEENAGER who was refused entry to a 21st birthday party in Ballymun, Dublin, three years ago and who ended up killing one of the guests, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Mr Justice Paul Carney will announce his decision on Friday after a sentencing hearing yesterday
Stephen Maughan (19), St Margaret’s Park, Ballymun, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court earlier this year to the manslaughter of James Donoghue (26).
Det Sgt Michael Buckley told Maughan’s sentencing hearing at the court yesterday that Mr Donoghue was stabbed to death shortly after he and two of his friends were turned away from the private party. He said the three teenagers had been drinking before making their way to the joint 21st birthday party at a house in the area.
After they were turned away, they threw at least one bottle into the garden and a number of guests chased them away. They caught up with Maughan and one of his friends and punched and kicked them severely.
Det Sgt Buckley said the three teenagers went home and decided to arm themselves with a number of knives and a stick or baton before returning to the party. They went to a hill overlooking the house and garden where the party was being held and began shouting insults. They were told to “eff off” but they didn’t leave.
A number of the party-goers, including Mr Donoghue, went out on to the hill, where Mr Donoghue received four stab injuries, the detective said.
Maughan later admitted to gardaí that he had a knife at the scene and used it to “slash” Mr Donoghue across the face. He had been given the knife by one of his co-accused.
The detective said Maughan had 14 previous convictions, including for assault causing harm, robbery, attempted robbery, theft and intoxication in public. He had no employment record.
Det Sgt Buckley read from a victim impact statement prepared by Mr Donoghue’s family. “Not only did we lose a son and brother, but a best friend,” it read, describing Mr Donoghue as someone who had helped elderly neighbours. “There’s no more laughter in the home, especially at Christmas, his favourite time,” said the family.
Mr Donoghue’s fiancée Veronica O’Brien wrote of receiving counselling for her grief.