Stabbing was 'tragedy of enormous consequences'
The fatal stabbing of a Cork man was "a tragedy of enormous consequences", a murder trial jury heard today.
Summing up for the defence, Mr Blaise O'Carroll SC said the jury must consider the defence of provocation. "If provocation is in play, it's not murder it is manslaughter", he said.
Mr Keith O'Donovan, aged 29, of Spriggs Road, Gurranabraher, Cork and Mr James Hourigan, aged 32, of Harbour View Road, Knocknaheeny, Cork have both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Noel McCarthy, aged 28, on May 4, 2000 at his home at Spriggs Road, Cork.
The Central Criminal Court has heard evidence from Keith O'Donovan that he stabbed the victim after he lost self control.
Mr O'Carroll, acting for Keith O'Donovan, said they must consider if the accused found himself in the position of being provoked. "If he did, in those circumstances, the defence is available to him."
The trial continues.
