Man acquitted by jury at Mayo murder trial

A 33-year-old man who stabbed a man in his own home in self-defence because he believed his life was in danger has been acquitted of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court.

The jury of nine men and three women returned their majority verdict to Ms. Justice Mary Ellen Ring.

The jury agreed Matusz Batiuk was entitled to defend himself when he came under attack in his own home.

Batiuk had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael McDonagh, 24, at a housing estate in Swinford, on November 16, 2020.

Mr. McDonagh died from a single stab wound to his stomach

Ms Justice Ring thanked the jury for their service in what she described as a very difficult trial.